Jean's Story
Born and raised in Melbourne, Jean Mitchell began rowing in high school.
Competing overseas for the Ruyton Girls' School it was clear Jean was a talented rower. But after competing overseas at the Henley Royal Regatta, Jean was diagnosed with medulloblastoma brain cancer. Over the next two years Jean was forced to pause her rowing and academic endeavours, going through several rounds of chemotherapy.
Jean told The Sydney Morning Herald, "Chemotherapy does live up to its name. At the time, I couldn't even say the word without bursting into tears."
After two long and challenging years for Jean, she was now in remission and returned to rowing shortly after.
Now training consistently with the Melbourne University Boat Club (MUBC), Jean was eventually selected for Australia to take on the 2022 international rowing season.
After winning the women's eight at the Australian Rowing Championships with Victoria, Jean kick started her international career making her debut at the World Rowing Cup II, where the Australian women's eight finished third.
At the 2022 World Rowing Championships later that year, Jean finished fifth in the women's eight.
Although missing out on international selection in 2023, Jean impressed domestically, winning the open coxless four national title with MUBC at the Australian Rowing Championships.
Returning to international rowing in 2024, Jean competed in the World Rowing Cup II, finishing sixth in the women's four.
An inspiring athlete that has gone through great hardships, Jean looks to fulfil her dream she has had since kindergarten of competing at the Olympics.
