sport news Aussie Olympics star Jana Pittman is struck by tragedy as her 'second mum' dies ... trends now

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Jana Pittman is mourning the death of her long-time coach and mentor Jackie Byrnes, after she died of cancer.

Byrnes, the brains behind Pittman's journey from junior gold medallist to Olympic athlete, died last Thursday following a long battle with illness.

In 2021, she has opened up on her struggles with melanomas and skin cancers, admitting the fact she had survived to that point was 'amazing'.

Pittman, along with fellow Byrnes pupil Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, had rallied around their mentor, helping front a campaign in which they urged Australians to get their skin checked,

Tributes have poured in for Byrnes, with Athletics Australia describing her 'as one of its most determined contributors'.