The Continuation of a Sporting Legacy
B by Halcyon home owners Jackie Byrnes (OAM), and Maureen Cummings were an amazing influence on B by Halcyon community in the time they were able to reside there together.
Both women were immersed in the sporting arena - Jackie as a National 400m runner and then coach at Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Olympics and Paralympics. And Maureen in the triathlon community competed in the Commonwealth Games, World Championships as an elite performer, World Age Group Triathlon Champion, Legend of the Sport and Masters Champion. She was also a selector for the 2000 Olympics for Triathlon and over the past ten years a member of the Triathlon Australia Awards Committee.
Their time together at B by Halcyon was cut short when Jackie passed away unexpectedly just 8 weeks after settling into their new community. Jackie's biggest ambassador, Maureen was devastated when a routine eye operation led to Jackie’s passing just eight days later in May 2024.
Maureen Cummings (L) and Jackie Byrnes (R) in early 2024 at B by Halcyon.
Jackie’s passing not only impacted the B by Halcyon community but also the Australian Sporting community since she was a remarkable figure in the world of athletics and triathlon. She leaves an impressive legacy woven from her profound impact on countless athletes and the sporting community at large.
Maureen, Jackie’s best friend and soulmate of 35 years recalls her pride for Jackie as a person and a coach.
“Jackie and I met 40 years ago and we developed a friendship and closeness for each other quickly. We shared the same interests and loved to look at the positive side of life. She would always just know things and was way ahead of her time”, said Maureen.
Jackie was one of the first development officers for Little Athletics as well as a Coaching Director for Athletics New South Wales and a highly successful personal athletics coach for 53 years. Once she met Maureen, she mixed in triathlon coaching in which she became extremely passionate. In one year, Jackie had nine age group athletes competing at the World Championships, alongside Maureen who was an elite competitor which proved a huge feat for even a well-renowned athletics coach.
Aside from her athletic and coaching achievements Jackie was known as a truly genuine person who was a fantastic storyteller, loved music and held a keen interest in everyone she met – sporting superstar or not. She was interested in what people said as well as who they were but could also recall unusually intricate details which surprised most people.
Maureen recalled with laughter when Jackie thought she had early-onset dementia.
“She thought I was so forgetful and couldn’t understand why I couldn’t remember as much as she did,” said Maureen.
“Well, she told her doctor about my ‘forgetfulness’ which led the doctor to uncover that Jackie actually had an 'episodic memory' meaning she could remember more details, and for a very long time, than most other people,” she said chuckling at the memory.
This uncommon ability allowed Jackie to foster deep connections with those around her. This capacity for empathy was perhaps what made her such an impactful coach—she not only trained athletes but also understood their individual journeys. Her personable nature coupled with her unique skill for talent identification were likely key to Jackie’s success in athletics coaching and mentoring for over five decades.
Jackie’s journey in athletics began with her own competitive spirit in the 60’s as she competed and gained national-level bronze and silver medals. Jackie then blazed a new path as a manager and coach of state and national teams which culminated in her service as a sprint and relay coach for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, 1999 World Championships, and the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. After this, she tried to retire before being pulled back onto the International stage with the Australian Development squad from 2010 - 2014 where she mentored the coaches of Australia’s next batch of sprinting stars. In total, she was involved in coaching for over 53 years, and notably the training partner of Betty Cuthbert.
Jackie and Maureen at the 2000 Olympics
For 32 years Jackie began to hone her skills as a personal coach to Australia’s emerging sporting elite, which blossomed through her highly successful coaching relationships with Melinda Gainsford-Taylor (for more than 20 years and also her greatest success), Jana Pittman and Alison Quinn. She delivered a world indoor, a paralympic, two world junior golds, a world youth gold, world junior and paralympic records and countless national titles.
Jackie’s coaching philosophy was rooted in simplicity. Her two guiding mantras—“Less is more” and “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”—were principles that shaped her coaching style. As Maureen reflects, "Anything is possible," was a sentiment that resonated deeply within their training group’s environment.
Maureen Cummings (L) and Jackie Byrnes (R) in early 2024 at B by Halcyon.
Jackie’s and Maureen’s decision to move to Buderim was driven by a strong sense of community support. Their influence in the vibrant Sunshine Coast community extended beyond the track though a deep involvement in local initiatives, including coaching fellow B by Halcyon home owners to help them live healthy, active lives. Jackie's connection and hard work has inspired many of those home owners to continued on their journey with Maureen at their side.
Jackie attending an Anzac Day event at B by Halcyon in 2024.
Despite facing significant health challenges, including multiple melanoma diagnoses and recovery from injuries, Jackie’s tenacity shone through. She was honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her significant contributions to athletics both domestically and internationally. Her passion for sports and the desire to see others succeed was unmatched. In 1997 she was named the ‘Individual Female Coach of the Year’ from all sports in Australia by the Australian Coaching Council. She was also bestowed with a Services Medal for serving in the Vietnam War with honour.
Jackie’s story is one of resilience, community, and an unwavering passion for life and sports. Her legacy will forever echo in the hearts of those she inspired, a true champion both on and off the field.