A former beauty queen has revealed she is suffering from a rare illness after breaking her hip.
Ex-model Miroslava Montemayor, who became a prominent Champions League presenter for TNT Sports, said she was diagnosed with an ultra-rare condition that only affects 22 people in her country.
The 36-year-old, who won the Nuestra Belleza Internacional México pageant in 2013, shared her ordeal on Instagram.
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She posted hospital images and X-rays that initially appeared like a typical sports injury.
But she had a 2.5cm tumour that systematically leaches vital minerals directly from the human skeleton.
Miroslava said: “It was not just a right hip fracture, there were also 16 microfractures in the spine and the left hip was on the verge of fracturing.
“This did not happen overnight.
“It is called tumour-induced osteomalacia, also known as oncogenic osteomalacia, considered an ultra-rare disease with only 22 cases registered in Mexico.”
Miroslava’s symptoms began about two years ago, leading to her temporary withdrawal from TNT Sports broadcasts, including a Champions League match in March 2026.
Initial misdiagnoses confused the pain with other bone, muscle, and neurological conditions, a common issue with this illness that can take up to eight years to identify correctly.
Oncogenic osteomalacia is triggered by usually benign tumours that overproduce the hormone FGF23.
This causes excessive phosphorus loss through urine, leading to progressive bone weakening, severe pain, muscle weakness, and frequent fractures.
Health authorities note the condition causes profound muscle weakness alongside extreme bone fragility.
Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumour, which was possible in her case, followed by rehabilitation.
The Monterrey-born presenter, who studied industrial engineering and previously worked at ESPN and TV Azteca, has praised her medical team, particularly Dr Tayde Arechiga.
She noted her pains have largely subsided and her bones are regaining strength, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Miroslava returned to Champions League coverage during the semi-finals, appearing on air with crutches and seated.
In her posts, she thanked the doctors “who during these months have left me as good as new” and indicated she would later share more updates about the confusing symptoms she endured.
The sports journalist has expressed optimism about her recovery while continuing her broadcasting career covering top European football games.
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