High jumper Amy Pejkovic has high hopes are hitting too many lows
AT JUST 25, high jumper Amy Pejkovic is already too familiar with hitting rock bottom and in a cruel twist of fate she’s been knocked out of contention for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games six years after a life-threatening brain tumour quashed her chances at the London Olympics.
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AT JUST 25, high jumper Amy Pejkovic is already too familiar with hitting rock bottom.
So it was a cruel twist of fate that a knee injury would force her out of contention for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games six years after a life-threatening brain tumour quashed her chances at the London Olympics.
“These setbacks make you stronger in the long run. The goal now is to make the 2020
Olympics,” she told the latest issue of Women’s Health, which hits stands on Thursday.
“I just want to be able to inspire people to show them you can hit rock bottom but still (go on to) make your dreams a reality.”
Pejkovic was forced to pull out of the Commonwealth Games last month due to complications with a knee injury.
The high jumper, an ambassador for the Charlie Teo Foundation for brain cancer research, had fought back to her personal best after being diagnosed with a tumour at 19.
“I thought I might never be able to jump again,” she said. “(It took) a lot of tears and fights with my mum, who’s also my coach.
“Ever since, I’ve wanted to help in any way I can to raise awareness around the cause. Brain cancer is the highest cancer killer of people under the age of 40, but it doesn’t have the same awareness as other cancers.”
Though she will not compete at the Gold Coast Games, Pejkovic will be a regular guest. She will attend events at the Longines Records Club, including the Elegance is an Attitude black-tie dinner tomorrow night.
Fellow guests include Sunrise hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch, Peter Beattie, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Matt Shirvington and Charlotte Caslick.
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