Breast cancer survivor Courtois 'gets her revenge on disease'

Lina Courtois, 74, is a breast cancer survivor. For this feisty veteran athlete, age and condition are no barriers when it comes to sport.

- Deepanraj Ganesan

At the July 26-Aug 22 World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore, the Quebec native competed in not one, but three different disciplines: open water swimming, artistic swimming and swimming.

The meet is her first appearance on the international stage since she began her first rounds of chemotherapy in 2023—she was first diagnosed in December 2022.

When asked why she chose to compete in three categories, Courtois' quick-fire response was "why not?"

That same defiant spirit has seen her through challenges both in and out of the water—such as her battle with breast cancer.

The Canadian said: "I want to prove that illness cannot stop us. It can slow us down, but we can still keep training.

"I want to participate to give hope to others who have cancer too. I want to show a (cancer) diagnosis is never the end."

Her love for swimming began in the lakes in Quebec when she was 16. The former physical education teacher competed in local events and subsequently in Masters competitions around the world.