Beloved champion athlete dies from rare brain tumour

A beloved Australian athlete has tragically died after a high-profile battle with a rare and aggressive brain tumour. 

Jenny Alcorn, a champion triathlete, passed away on Monday at the age of 66, with her partner Margot Rupe breaking the devastating news. 

“She pushed every boundary in life and it was incredible,” Rupe said. “She was the love of my life for 20 years, she helped me raise two amazing children."

“Yes, triathlon was her life but she always enjoyed all the sports our kids did, she never missed a TSS First 15 game, she never missed a Bond Uni rugby game."

“Even on Saturday afternoon, she sat up and watched our son play rugby in Japan, so she was a pretty amazing person."

“We’re all heartbroken, our souls are heartbroken, she did everything with love, she loved her family, she loved me, she loved our kids and embraced everything she did.”

Alcorn was a sporting legend and Alcorn was recognised just last year at the AusTriathlon Awards, as she was particularly well known in Queensland as a coach, a competitor, and an inspiration to many. 

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In 2016, at the age of 55, Alcorn came out of retirement and won the famous Kona Ironman World Championships in her age group.

Last December, Alcorn’s “three-decade contribution” to Australia’s triathlon scene was recognised with the President’s Special Recognition Award, as the Trizone website said, “Her honour highlighted not just her achievements as an athlete and coach, but her inspiring resilience while battling a rare brain tumour."

Surfers Paradise Triathlon Club member Dan Teasdale and close friend of Alcorn's paid tribute to his late friend. 

“She was always a fantastic spectator so you’d hear her yelling out ‘go Danny boy’ on the side of the race,” he said.

“She was a very caring, loving person but a tough-as-nails athlete. She never had a bad word to say about anyone she was very inclusive, welcomed everyone and loved the sport triathlon.”

Image credits: Instagram