Home / Sports / Cancer Survivor Becomes Paddleboard World Champion
Cancer Survivor Becomes Paddleboard World Champion
24 Oct
Summary
- Paddleboarder Ginnie Betts won two gold and one silver medal.
- She competed after undergoing treatment for aggressive breast cancer.
- Betts hopes her achievement inspires others facing illness.
Ginnie Betts, 52, has been crowned a world champion paddleboarder, demonstrating incredible resilience following a breast cancer diagnosis. Betts, from Ludgvan, Cornwall, received her aggressive breast cancer diagnosis in September 2025 and completed her most recent operation in February 2026. Undeterred, she continued her training and competed against 920 participants from around the globe at the Stand Up Paddling World Championships in Italy.
Her performance secured two gold medals and a silver in masters events. Betts won gold in the 100m sprint over-50s and the 12km long-distance over-50s events, adding a silver in the technical heats over-50s. She described the diagnosis as an 'injury' and viewed competing as a crucial psychological strategy to cope with the shock.
Having started the sport at 40, Betts is a seasoned GBSUP racer and has represented her country at three world championships. She emphasized the importance of setting post-cancer goals and credits exercise and good nutrition with aiding her recovery. Betts shared that the win was particularly special due to the support of her friends and family, urging others facing adversity to maintain a positive, mental, and physical fight.
She advises those in similar situations to stay positive and believe in their ability to overcome challenges, encouraging them to set personal goals. Betts's journey underscores the power of determination and a positive mindset in overcoming significant health obstacles.
