Olympic rower Jean Mitchell has transformed her cancer scar into a symbol of triumph by tattooing the Olympic rings over it. This decision reflects her journey from battling brain cancer to realizing her dream of competing at the Olympics. “I thought it would be really special if I replaced the scar I got from cancer and then slapped the Olympic rings over it to say, ‘Look what I did after having you,'” she explained to ABC Sport.
From Diagnosis to the Olympic Stage
Mitchell, who made her Olympic debut in Paris 2024, achieved what once seemed impossible. Competing as part of Australia’s women’s four team, she fulfilled a lifelong ambition. “I’ve always been obsessed with the Olympics, even when I wasn’t an elite athlete,” she stated. “I’ve always loved watching it since I can remember, so actually being able to go and compete was seriously a dream come true.”
At the age of 16, Mitchell faced a life-altering diagnosis of brain cancer. She experienced severe headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness, leading specialists to discover a 4-centimetre tumour at the back of her brain. Following surgery to remove the tumour, she underwent radiation and chemotherapy, which included having a “port” inserted near her ribs for easier access during treatment.
Transforming Pain into Pride
While Mitchell cannot see the scar at the back of her head, the more visible scar from the port on her torso served as a constant reminder of her ordeal. “Looking at the scar, before it was a reminder of what had been there before — the port and the needles going in and the trauma around that,” she reflected. “After I got over the treatment process… I realized that it’s actually something to be so proud of. I had that whole cancer experience and I’ve come out on the other side.”
After a two-year recovery, Mitchell returned to rowing and was selected for her first international team in 2022. Although the women’s four team in Paris did not perform as hoped, she still felt the need to mark her journey with a tattoo. Following a conversation with Olympic kayak cross gold medallist Noemie Fox in the athletes’ village, the two decided to commemorate their Olympic experiences with matching tattoos.
“It was pretty funny, very fun experience, probably one of my favourite from the Games,” Mitchell remarked. “I’ve always been proud of that scar anyway, because it does show what I’ve been through and what I’ve overcome. But then to put an even bigger achievement over it… to be able to look at it and see the Olympic rings; I’m reminded every day that now I can call myself an Olympian till the end of time.”
Inspiring Others
Although it has been over a year since the Games, Mitchell recently shared her tattoo on social media, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. “Hopefully, some people can take some inspiration from it, that you can go through hard times and you can go straight through it and thrive afterwards,” she said. Many have reached out to her, sharing their similar experiences and expressing how her story has given them hope.
After taking a break from rowing following the Olympics, Mitchell is now back in full training, aiming to qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Her journey continues to inspire many, proving that resilience can lead to remarkable achievements.
