Known for coaching some of Australia’s best sprinters, Jackie Byrnes has found herself in her own race for health. 

The 77-year-old is sharing her private skin cancer battle to warn others to take their sun safety seriously.

Byrnes told Spencer Howson she’s had numerous surgeries on her face to remove cancers.

“I’ve basically lost half my nose, which you wouldn’t know because I had a very good plastic surgeon.”

It comes as recent figures from the Melanoma Institute of Australia indicate skin checks have hit a 12-year low.

“They have to start looking at what are the important things,” she said.

“At the moment, COVID’s at the top of the headlines every day, in our face, and I think people have just put aside other important things.

“It could save your life – it’s as simple as that.”

Press PLAY below to hear Jackie Byrnes share her story

Image: A Current Affair