- Jana Pittman has paid tribute to her ‘second mother’
- Jackie Byrnes, his mentor, has died of cancer
- Pittman took to social media to pay his respects.
Jana Pittman is mourning the death of her longtime coach and mentor, Jackie Byrnes, after she died of cancer.
Byrnes, the mastermind behind Pittman’s journey from junior gold medalist to Olympian, died last Thursday after a long battle with illness.
In 2021, she spoke openly about her battle with melanomas and skin cancer, admitting that the fact that she survived to that point was “amazing.”
Pittman, along with fellow Byrnes member Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, had joined their mentor and helped lead a campaign urging Australians to get their skin checked.
Tributes have poured in for Byrnes, with Athletics Australia describing her as “one of its most determined contributors”.
Jana Pittman (right) mourns the death of her mentor, Jackie Byrnes (left)
Byrnes was Pittman’s ‘second mother’ and also trained Melinda Gainsford-Taylor (right)
“From her pioneering roles as a state coach and development coordinator in New South Wales to guiding elite athletes, including Melinda Gainsford Taylor and Jana Pittman, to high-level success, Jackie gave herself passionately and professionally to the sport she loves most. in its heart,” the governing body said.
Pittman said she looked at Byrnes as a “second mother.”
“It is with great sadness to share that one of my coaches, Jackie Byrnes, passed away last night,” he said.
‘She coached me to my first Olympic Games and three world junior/junior gold medals… but it was more than just her incredible athletic skills.
‘It was Jackie’s ability to accept my quirks, emotions, chaos and passion. She set the framework for all my future success.
‘To dozens of athletes she was a coach, mother, mentor and friend, including the incredible Melinda!! I still vividly remember the day Jackie asked me to join them and train with Mel!
‘Many times since then I have wondered what it would have been like if I had stayed longer under his guidance!
Byrnes mentored Pittman from youth athlete to Olympian during her career.
‘All who had the privilege of being guided by her will agree that she had the unique gift of leaving everyone she knew better than before, and for that, we will be eternally grateful.
‘His legacy of kindness, resilience and inspiration will always be remembered. Thank you Jackie for the gift you gave us all…genuine care and love! Rest in peace, Jackie.
In 2010, Byrnes was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to athletics.