American hurdler, Olympic champion and 110m world record holder Aries Merritt has a rare genetic disorder which will force him to undergo a kidney transplant and will receive a kidney from his sister on 1 September.
Merritt ran 13.25 seconds to win his heat on Wednesday to qualify for Thursday's semi-finals. He said he "felt like a weight was lifted" after being able to share his plight with others.
"After the Worlds, I'll focus on it," he added. "The more I train the worse my kidneys get and that's why I am getting a transplant."
Merrit was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and was told he might never be able to compete again.
"When they told me I'd never run again, my whole world ended in my mind," he said.
"That I am here again running shows me that I'm a fighter and that I can overcome anything if I stay with a positive mind.
"For this championships, I'm going to take it one race at a time."
The Chicago-born athlete will receive one of his sister's kidneys and is hopeful he can defend his Olympic title in Rio next year.
"I am here in Beijing for mental sanity more than anything," he said.
"I don't want to be sitting in my house cooped up in bed waiting for surgery. I'd rather be out enjoying life because, who knows, this could be my last championship if the surgery doesn't go well.
"I am hoping it goes well and I am optimistic I'll be able to train for the Olympics."
Merrit acknowledges it has been "difficult" competing with the problem and feels like he has not done himself justice at times.
"It was very tough because you know you're the best ever and not running the times you are meant to run," he said.
"It hurts so much on the inside to know you are the best but you're struggling with this illness and you are just trying to fight through.
"I love running, I love competing, this is my life and here I am."[BBCSports]
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