Latest news with #MichelleJenneke
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'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." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Jenneke (@mjenneke93) 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.' RELATED: Athletics world in disbelief after Aussie beats world champ in 100m Swimming world reacts amid news about Aussie hero Susie O'Neill 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.


Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Aussie Olympic cult hero Michelle Jenneke in mourning after shocking family tragedy as her beloved mother dies
Aussie Olympian Michelle Jenneke has revealed that she is reeling after the death of her 'wacky and wonderful' mother Nicky. The 31-year-old hurdler announced the sad news in an emotional Instagram post, but did not reveal the cause of death. 'Last week we said farewell to my wacky and wonderful mother,' she wrote. '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.' Nicky was also a member of Sydney's Cherrybrook Athletics Club, which posted a tribute of its own. 'Cherrybrook Athletics is heartbroken at the death of our beloved friend and Life Member, Nicky Jenneke,' the post read. '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. 'Nicky came to Cherrybrook Athletics with her daughters, Shelly and Cathy, in 2002 and quickly became involved as a volunteer. '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 list of duties she has undertaken over the years is too long to summarise – she even wrote the Club's unofficial "song".' Michelle Jenneke ruptured her hamstring tendon during her spectacular exit from the Paris Olympics last year, astonishing fans as she returned for one last heat despite the serious injury. There were doubts about whether she could come back from the huge setback, but she put those to bed in January, when she announced she will make a comeback and posted a video showing her getting back into training. 'After rupturing my hamstring in Paris I set myself an ambitious goal to be back over hurdles before the end of year… Very happy to report I achieved that goal just in time on the 30th of December!' she told her followers. The Aussie - who became a worldwide sensation for her dance moves behind the starting blocks while competing at the World Junior Championships in Barcelona back in 2012 - managed to go out on a high of sorts in France despite her injury. She won plenty of admirers at the Stade de France when she was seen comforting Slovakia's Viktoria Forster after the repechage round as both athletes failed to progress. As Australia's Olympians returned home from the Games with an astonishing 18 gold medals, Jenneke's fellow athlete Genevieve Cowie and her husband were among the crowd waiting at Sydney airport on Tuesday. One of their signs, which read 'hope you had a nice trip', was a risky prank that earnt a cheeky reaction from the hurdler on social media. 'I have the best friends', she posted on her Instagram story, accompanied by a laughing emoji.


USA Today
21-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Australian hurdler Michelle Jenneke in images
Team Australia's Michelle Jenneke didn't slow down in 2024, with the talented hurdler picking up titles and turning heads at events like the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, while honoring her mentor and legendary Aussie coach Gary Bourne. As usual, the cameras are there to capture her in action, both on and off the track, as she makes her comeback in 2025.