Raelene Boyle: Why Aussie sporting great is forever in debt to ex-Prime Minister John Howard
Australian sporting icon Raelene Boyle reveals she is forever grateful to former Prime Minister John Howard for granting her one simple wish.
Home
Don't miss out on the headlines from Home. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Who Sporting Hall of Fame Legend Raelene Boyle, AM, MBE.
Where Buderim, Queensland with her partner Judy Wild. “I moved here 26 years ago from Melbourne. It’s a beautiful community, I really love it here.”
Favourite thing My dog Charlie is a huge part of my life. I suffer from depression and she keeps me on an even keel.
Inspiration Casual and comfortable.
Home is My security and place of peace. People are made to feel welcome here.
“Thank God I was born Australian in the greatest country in the world. I am so blessed.” Raelene Boyle is one of this country’s greatest sprint stars representing Australia in three Olympic Games and named as one of 100 National Living Treasures by the National Trust of Australia, but she is not referencing her sporting prowess.
As a breast cancer survivor, she knows she won the lottery being treated in Australia and has worked tirelessly for the Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA) since her own diagnosis in 1996.
Such is her resolve to help others burdened with the disease, she lobbied then prime minister John Howard to add wonder drug Herceptin, which was then costing patients up to $67,000, to the PBS.
“That was 20 years ago and it’s still a wonder drug today. I sat next to him at my birthday and I was not going to let him leave until he agreed. I still thank John every day and women, and men, have gone on to live long lives because of it.”
The BCNA has its annual Pink Bun campaign running until May 18 to support Australians with breast cancer – 100 per cent of the money from every Fun Bun sold at Baker’s Delight will go to BCNA. “It’s very rewarding when you see survival rates going up, but we still have plenty of work to do.”
Words: Catherine Nikas-Boulos Pictures: Brad Fleet
RAELENE BOYLE’S FAVOURITE THINGS
I love this painting. I spent too much time running in a straight line that I now love circles. I like the meaning of the painting also, in life we often walk in circles before we actually get anywhere.
I had just turned 17 and had only trained for just three months before going to my first Olympics. I got silver and I wanted gold and this medal gave me direction and discipline.
In 1980 I was the first Australian on track to go to my fourth Olympic Games, but there was a big political debacle and I pulled out. In 1984 I was a commentator at the LA Olympics and someone smart had designed this T-shirt. It’s so appropriate today.
He is 20 months and just the happiest soul. We watch the news together – he’s my little buddy. My daughter Elizabeth is pregnant again. He’ll make a wonderful big brother.
I was the 39th person to be inducted into that particular club. To be elevated to that status is an amazing honour.
I do still feel the need for speed. Not that I speed on the roads, but you can open the throttle on a highway occasionally and have a bit of a run. It gives me great satisfaction.
I took a photo with a blown up Pink Lady at one of the events. It’s a reminder of all the lovely women and blokes I have met through the network (BCNA).
I was a horticulturist in Melbourne before I was diagnosed with breast cancer and from an early age I had an interest in flowers. I love orchids in particular, they are so easy to grow.
More Coverage
Originally published as Raelene Boyle: Why Aussie sporting great is forever in debt to ex-Prime Minister John Howard
Inside IKEA’s top secret product lab
Each of the home furnishing giant’s 12,000 products have passed through this typical-looking three-storey office block in a tiny town in Sweden’s south.
All changes coming for Aussies next month
From minimum wage increases to a crackdown on tobacco, here are all the changes coming into effect across Australia from July 1.