Amy Pejkovic sets sights on 2022 Commonwealth Games after tumour heartbreak

After nearly 10 years of heartbreak, the model/athlete is in peak form and looking to get her high jump career back on track.

Nine years after a devastating brain tumour diagnosis, Aussie athlete and model Amy Pejkovic is in great health.

The high jumper was recently given the all-clear by doctors after a yearly check-up and she’s hoping to compete at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“I’m very happy,” she said. “My neurosurgeon said I’ll have another scan next year and if everything is OK the scans will then be every two years, then every five years. It’s looking really good.”

Australian high jumper Amy Pejkovic in training. Picture: Instagram @amypejkovic

Pejkovic, 28, was just 19 when a shock diagnosis shattered her London Olympic dreams. After struggling with headaches and her balance for several years, doctors eventually found a 5cm brain tumour which required surgery to be removed.

A knee injury later dashed her hopes of competing in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Through it all, she never lost hope.

“I’m still training and hope to make the Comm Games next year,” she said.

The health ordeal taught her a very valuable life lesson.

Amy Pejkovic says she is now training and looking forward to next year’s Commonwealth Games. Picture: Josie Hayden

“Never take anything for granted. It sounds a bit clichéd but if you have your health, you have everything. It’s all you need,” she said.

“I used to really sweat the small stuff and freak out and send myself into a downward spiral but now after the surgery, I find it a lot easier to catch myself and be present and know everything is fine.”

Pejkovic is now using her platform to help others and recently partnered with Me Period Care as an ambassador to help eliminate the stigma surrounding menstrual cycles.

“When I was younger, I was never ashamed of my period but more just embarrassed,” she said.

“I want to help eliminate the stigma.”