'We’re all heartbroken': Australia mourns legendary athlete and dedicated police officer lost too soon
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Losing remarkable individuals who have left a lasting impact on their communities is always heartbreaking.
Two beloved Australians—one a sporting icon, the other a dedicated police officer—faced devastating battles that united those around them in grief and admiration.
Their stories are a testament to resilience, passion, and the deep connections they forged throughout their lives.
Australian triathlon legend Jenny Alcorn has passed away after a public battle with cancer.
Alcorn, a celebrated athlete and coach, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour.
She died on 3 March, leaving behind a legacy that inspired many in the sport.
Tributes poured in, particularly from the Queensland triathlon community, where Alcorn was admired as both a competitor and mentor.
Her partner, Margot Rupe, led the heartfelt messages, saying Alcorn lived life to the fullest.
‘She pushed every boundary in life and it was incredible,’ Rupe said.
‘She was the love of my life for 20 years, she helped me raise two amazing children.’
Alcorn was deeply involved in her children’s sporting pursuits, never missing a game.
‘Yes, triathlon was her life but she always enjoyed all the sports our kids did, she never missed a TSS First 15 game, she never missed a Bond Uni rugby game,’ Rupe said.
‘Even on Saturday afternoon, she sat up and watched our son play rugby in Japan, so she was a pretty amazing person.’
‘We’re all heartbroken, our souls are heartbroken, she did everything with love, she loved her family, she loved me, she loved our kids and embraced everything she did.’
At 55, Alcorn made a remarkable return to competition, winning her age group at the Kona Ironman World Championships in 2016.
Rupe called it an ‘amazing feat’ and said it was one of Alcorn’s most cherished achievements.
In December, Alcorn was honoured for her immense impact on Australian triathlon, receiving the President’s Special Recognition Award for her three decades of contributions.
The Trizone website acknowledged the award, noting: ‘Her honour highlighted not just her achievements as an athlete and coach, but her inspiring resilience while battling a rare brain tumour.’
Surfers Paradise Triathlon Club member Dan Teasdale, a close friend of Alcorn, remembered her as both a fierce competitor and a supportive presence.
‘She was always a fantastic spectator so you’d hear her yelling out “go Danny boy” on the side of the race,’ he said.
‘But in her own racing she was ever so determined, she wouldn’t let anyone beat her.’
‘She was a very caring, loving person but a tough-as-nails athlete.’
‘We spent a lot of time together cycling everywhere on the Gold Coast and races away.’
‘She never had a bad word to say about anyone she was very inclusive, welcomed everyone and loved the sport triathlon.’
Teasdale said Alcorn was not only a mentor but the reason so many people in the triathlon community had come together.
‘One of the things that we’ve come to realise is we’re not just friends with Jen, we’re all friends because of Jen,’ he said.
‘There was probably 15 of us that were out for a walk (Tuesday) morning just to get together ... one of the small groups that she has brought together.’
A post from a social media account dedicated to running paid tribute to Alcorn’s influence.
‘To my former training partner, coach, mentor, colleague and friend, Jenny Alcorn. I first saw you on the pages of Triathlon Sports Magazine in the 80’s and then you moved to Qld to train with us,’ they wrote.
‘Before long you were a world champion which motivated everyone to lift their game. After successfully transitioning to coaching, you inspired me to “Be Like Jen” and believe in myself to start my own triathlon team.’
‘Whenever I had a question or doubted myself, I knew I could come to you for advice and a few pearls of wisdom. I will endeavour to approach each day with the lessons you have taught me.’
‘I will endeavour to “Be Like Jen” when life deals me a bad hand and to dig in and fight when necessary. Thank you for the life lessons Coach! RIP Jenny Alcorn.’
At 64, Alcorn spoke openly about her health battle, sharing that she was determined to fight.
‘I want to win and I will win,’ she said.
‘Extreme circumstances do not bother me at all. I’ve had to work very hard for the things that I want to achieve. That’s just the way I am.’
She had been diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive form of brain cancer with a low survival rate.
Amidst the heartbreak of Jenny Alcorn’s passing, another community mourns the loss of Victoria Police officer Steve Johnson, who also faced a devastating cancer diagnosis.
Victoria Police officer Steve Johnson has died just three weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Johnson, a senior constable stationed in Riddells Creek, passed away on 17 February after receiving a stage four bowel cancer diagnosis.
His sudden death has left his family devastated.
‘Steve’s passing has torn this little family’s world apart,’ his sister-in-law Amanda Thomas said.
Thomas launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Johnson’s wife, Kristen, and their three children—Molly, Jack, and Darcy.
‘Kristen now faces the struggle of raising these three gorgeous children on her own along with the mounting pressure of mortgage payments, bills and now funeral expenses,’ she said.
‘We’re hoping to raise a little bit of money to hopefully ease some of this pressure for her.’
Johnson had served with Victoria Police since 2011, working in semi-rural areas including Gisborne, Romsey, and Kyneton before moving to Riddells Creek’s single-member station.
He was one of the first officers on the scene at last year’s tragic truck crash at the Riddells Creek Montessori pre-school, where speech pathologist Eleanor Bryant was killed.
The local community and organisations paid tribute to Johnson, praising his dedication to both law enforcement and community service.
‘Steve’s genuine interest in helping other people and fostering community healing was clear when he recently hosted a morning tea at the Riddells Creek Police Station following a tragic road trauma event that deeply affected the local community,’ one tribute read.
‘Steve was also well known for his support of the Riddells Creek Mixed Basketball Association and Riddells Creek Dance School where he regularly volunteered his time.’
A former colleague from Kyneton described Johnson as both a skilled officer and a valued friend.
‘Steve was a fantastic operator as a copper and a really nice guy,’ they said.
‘I tried to get Steve to become a detective, which he could have achieved, but he told me that wanted to stay in the community uniform policing area...When he came to work at Riddells Creek, I knew that as a community we were very lucky to have him.’
The fundraiser for Johnson’s family has raised more than $21,500, as friends and strangers alike come together to support his loved ones.
Both Jenny Alcorn and Steve Johnson left behind powerful legacies of dedication, resilience, and community spirit.
Rest in peace, Jenny and Steve.
Two beloved Australians—one a sporting icon, the other a dedicated police officer—faced devastating battles that united those around them in grief and admiration.
Their stories are a testament to resilience, passion, and the deep connections they forged throughout their lives.
Australian triathlon legend Jenny Alcorn has passed away after a public battle with cancer.
Alcorn, a celebrated athlete and coach, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour.
She died on 3 March, leaving behind a legacy that inspired many in the sport.
Tributes poured in, particularly from the Queensland triathlon community, where Alcorn was admired as both a competitor and mentor.
Her partner, Margot Rupe, led the heartfelt messages, saying Alcorn lived life to the fullest.
‘She pushed every boundary in life and it was incredible,’ Rupe said.
‘She was the love of my life for 20 years, she helped me raise two amazing children.’
Alcorn was deeply involved in her children’s sporting pursuits, never missing a game.
‘Yes, triathlon was her life but she always enjoyed all the sports our kids did, she never missed a TSS First 15 game, she never missed a Bond Uni rugby game,’ Rupe said.
‘Even on Saturday afternoon, she sat up and watched our son play rugby in Japan, so she was a pretty amazing person.’
‘We’re all heartbroken, our souls are heartbroken, she did everything with love, she loved her family, she loved me, she loved our kids and embraced everything she did.’
At 55, Alcorn made a remarkable return to competition, winning her age group at the Kona Ironman World Championships in 2016.
Rupe called it an ‘amazing feat’ and said it was one of Alcorn’s most cherished achievements.
In December, Alcorn was honoured for her immense impact on Australian triathlon, receiving the President’s Special Recognition Award for her three decades of contributions.
The Trizone website acknowledged the award, noting: ‘Her honour highlighted not just her achievements as an athlete and coach, but her inspiring resilience while battling a rare brain tumour.’
Surfers Paradise Triathlon Club member Dan Teasdale, a close friend of Alcorn, remembered her as both a fierce competitor and a supportive presence.
‘She was always a fantastic spectator so you’d hear her yelling out “go Danny boy” on the side of the race,’ he said.
‘But in her own racing she was ever so determined, she wouldn’t let anyone beat her.’
‘She was a very caring, loving person but a tough-as-nails athlete.’
‘We spent a lot of time together cycling everywhere on the Gold Coast and races away.’
‘She never had a bad word to say about anyone she was very inclusive, welcomed everyone and loved the sport triathlon.’
Teasdale said Alcorn was not only a mentor but the reason so many people in the triathlon community had come together.
‘One of the things that we’ve come to realise is we’re not just friends with Jen, we’re all friends because of Jen,’ he said.
‘There was probably 15 of us that were out for a walk (Tuesday) morning just to get together ... one of the small groups that she has brought together.’
A post from a social media account dedicated to running paid tribute to Alcorn’s influence.
‘To my former training partner, coach, mentor, colleague and friend, Jenny Alcorn. I first saw you on the pages of Triathlon Sports Magazine in the 80’s and then you moved to Qld to train with us,’ they wrote.
‘Before long you were a world champion which motivated everyone to lift their game. After successfully transitioning to coaching, you inspired me to “Be Like Jen” and believe in myself to start my own triathlon team.’
‘Whenever I had a question or doubted myself, I knew I could come to you for advice and a few pearls of wisdom. I will endeavour to approach each day with the lessons you have taught me.’
‘I will endeavour to “Be Like Jen” when life deals me a bad hand and to dig in and fight when necessary. Thank you for the life lessons Coach! RIP Jenny Alcorn.’
At 64, Alcorn spoke openly about her health battle, sharing that she was determined to fight.
‘I want to win and I will win,’ she said.
‘Extreme circumstances do not bother me at all. I’ve had to work very hard for the things that I want to achieve. That’s just the way I am.’
She had been diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive form of brain cancer with a low survival rate.
Amidst the heartbreak of Jenny Alcorn’s passing, another community mourns the loss of Victoria Police officer Steve Johnson, who also faced a devastating cancer diagnosis.
Victoria Police officer Steve Johnson has died just three weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Johnson, a senior constable stationed in Riddells Creek, passed away on 17 February after receiving a stage four bowel cancer diagnosis.
His sudden death has left his family devastated.
‘Steve’s passing has torn this little family’s world apart,’ his sister-in-law Amanda Thomas said.
Thomas launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Johnson’s wife, Kristen, and their three children—Molly, Jack, and Darcy.
‘Kristen now faces the struggle of raising these three gorgeous children on her own along with the mounting pressure of mortgage payments, bills and now funeral expenses,’ she said.
‘We’re hoping to raise a little bit of money to hopefully ease some of this pressure for her.’
Johnson had served with Victoria Police since 2011, working in semi-rural areas including Gisborne, Romsey, and Kyneton before moving to Riddells Creek’s single-member station.
He was one of the first officers on the scene at last year’s tragic truck crash at the Riddells Creek Montessori pre-school, where speech pathologist Eleanor Bryant was killed.
The local community and organisations paid tribute to Johnson, praising his dedication to both law enforcement and community service.
‘Steve’s genuine interest in helping other people and fostering community healing was clear when he recently hosted a morning tea at the Riddells Creek Police Station following a tragic road trauma event that deeply affected the local community,’ one tribute read.
‘Steve was also well known for his support of the Riddells Creek Mixed Basketball Association and Riddells Creek Dance School where he regularly volunteered his time.’
A former colleague from Kyneton described Johnson as both a skilled officer and a valued friend.
‘Steve was a fantastic operator as a copper and a really nice guy,’ they said.
‘I tried to get Steve to become a detective, which he could have achieved, but he told me that wanted to stay in the community uniform policing area...When he came to work at Riddells Creek, I knew that as a community we were very lucky to have him.’
The fundraiser for Johnson’s family has raised more than $21,500, as friends and strangers alike come together to support his loved ones.
Both Jenny Alcorn and Steve Johnson left behind powerful legacies of dedication, resilience, and community spirit.
Rest in peace, Jenny and Steve.
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are with both families and to both Steve and Jenny RIP 
next time scroll past please rather than mouthing off shame on you 
May you rest in eternal peace Jenny and Steve.
Same to you scroll past and Take your tomato face elsewhere 
