22-05-2025
'So sorry to hear': Athletics world rallies around Michelle Jenneke after awful news
Athletes and fans are sending well-wishes to Michelle Jenneke after the Aussie Olympian revealed the devastating death of her mother. Nicky Jenneke was a widely popular figure in the athletics community, particularly at grass-roots level.
'Last week we said farewell to my wacky and wonderful mother,' Michelle wrote on social media. 'Always the life of the party, she taught me how to bring fun to every occasion and live life to its fullest.
'Forever my biggest supporter, the loudest person at the track and a warm and generous friend to all those around her. Thank you for all the memories, we will love and miss you always."
Fellow Aussie athletes including Genevieve Gregson, Riley Day, Ella Connolly and Matt Denny sent messages of support. Day wrote: "I'm so sorry to hear Shelly." Denny commented: "Sending love to you and your family Shelly. Really sorry for your loss."
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Jenneke's local club Cherrybrook Athletics, where she's been running since she was a little girl, penned a moving tribute on social media. Nicky was a life member of the club and held numerous roles over the years.
'For many of us, Nicky has embodied the heart and soul of Cherrybrook Athletics,' the club wrote. 'As a passionate supporter of athletes of all ages and abilities, Nicky could usually be found at any track or field where Cherrybrook athletes were competing – from Little Athletics carnivals or local Treloar meets to major championship events interstate where her cries of 'Go Cherrybrook!' would echo around the stadium.
'If you didn't see Nicky in the stands or on the sidelines supporting our athletes, you would certainly hear her. You would also see her updates celebrating our athletes' achievements – whether it be medals, PBs (personal bests) or even just showing up to try their best.
'She was always on hand with her special red frogs – which were 'only for athletes' – or going to the canteen for water or other treats. Supporting and working with Cherrybrook athletes was one of her greatest joys in life."
Nicky had been a volunteer for the club since 2002, and a beloved figure. 'Over her more than 20 years with the Club, she has held various committee positions but has always been a jack-of-all-trades doing whatever was needed, whenever it was needed, to ensure Cherrybrook Athletics could continue to support our athletes," the club continued.
"The list of duties she has undertaken over the years is too long to summarise – she even wrote the Club's unofficial 'song'. Nicky was a driving force in the growth and development of our club for the benefit of all athletes, from our youngest Tots to our oldest Masters. Even through ill health her dedication to, and love for, the Club never dwindled.
'She was a coach, mentor, champion and friend to all our athletes, who loved her as much as she loved and supported them. Nicky will be sorely missed. The stands will be much quieter this season but we know Nicky will always be with us in spirit, supporting us and cheering our athletes on. We send our love and condolences to Randall, Cathy and Shelly and the rest of their family.'
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Nicky helped her daughter achieve her Olympic dream, with Michelle competing at the 2016 Games in Rio and last year's Paris Olympics. She missed the Tokyo Games in 2021 due to injury, and also suffered a hamstring injury in Paris - but showed incredible courage to keep running.
