Hello everyone,
ThisOctober, known as“Pink October” and dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, we wanted to highlight the inspiring journey of Naomi, one of our very first clients. A passionate athlete and resident of Nice, Naomi has always found in sports a way to escape and push herself to new heights. But after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she had to rethink her approach to exercise while staying true to her love of physical activity.
Now in remission, Naomi agreed to answer our questions and share with you her journey, the challenges she has overcome, and how sports helped her get through this ordeal. Her story is a message of hope and resilience, just like what Pink October stands for.
Can you tell us about your relationship with sports before your diagnosis? What role did it play in your daily life?
Naomi: “ "Sports have been an integral part of my life for a little over 10 years now. I was one of those people who couldn't live without it. (And that's still the case, by the way.) For me, sports were a way to escape, push myself, and relieve stress."
What sports did you play most often? Was it more for fun, competition, or your well-being?
Naomi: “Cycling, running, and swimming (though I’m not sure if you can really count that last one, lol 😅). It was a bit of all three: for fun, for competition—though the latter has become less of a priority in recent years—and, above all, for my well-being.”
Has sports always been important to you, and why?
Naomi: “Yes, especially over the past 10 years. Exercise was a real eye-opener when I started taking it seriously. I’ve always had body image issues, and exercise has definitely helped me feel better about my body. It’s allowed me to challenge myself and push my limits.”
How did you react when you were diagnosed with cancer? How did it affect your athletic performance?
Naomi: “You’re probably going to think I’m crazy, but I had this gut feeling that the lump I’d felt was cancer. I sensed it, but I held onto a sliver of hope that it wasn’t… So when the diagnosis came, I broke down, both mentally and physically. It was as if the sky had fallen on my head. At the time, I was making good progress in sports, especially cycling. I knew the treatments would disrupt my training, but I couldn’t yet grasp the full extent of the challenges ahead. So I tried not to worry too much and just exercised for fun during the three weeks between the diagnosis and the start of chemotherapy.”
Were you able to keep exercising during your treatment? And if so, what changes did you have to make?
Naomi: “Yes, my entire medical team encouraged me to keep exercising, but I had to adjust my routine. Chemotherapy was tough for me, especially the first part. For two months, I could only do low-intensity exercise—whatever my body would allow. Then, with my coach’s help, we gradually reintroduced more specific workouts. But the key was to listen to my body: if I was too tired, I’d go for a light jog or a gentle bike ride. After my chemotherapy, I had a mastectomy, and then I had to stop all physical activity for two months. I went for walks every morning and started doing Pilates at home.”
Did sports help you get through this difficult time, both physically and mentally? Did you find any particular comfort in being physically active?
Naomi: “Absolutely. Physically, exercise helped me cope better with the treatments, but above all, mentally, it helped me hang in there. During my treatment, I felt like my life was slipping away, and exercise—even at a low intensity—was one of the few things I still had some control over. It allowed me to reconnect with my body and not feel completely helpless. When I had to stop exercising after my mastectomy, I went through a mini-depression. Exercise gave me a semblance of control over my body, and not being able to do it anymore deeply affected me.”
Have you worked with healthcare professionals to adjust your exercise routine?
Naomi: “No, I didn’t feel the need to work with healthcare professionals. I knew my body and my limits well. I had complete confidence in my coach to tailor my workouts. But if I’d wanted to, I could have sought professional guidance.”
How have you gotten back into sports since finishing your treatment?
Naomi: “I’d like to say I’m back to my old self, but that’s not entirely true. I’m on hormone therapy, which causes side effects like joint pain. That keeps me from running as much as I’d like. But I’ve started cycling again and taken up CrossFit, working out 4 to 5 times a week. Getting back into it is tough—my body doesn’t respond the way it used to, which is frustrating. But I know it’ll take time to get back to my old self.”
Has sports influenced the way you view life and deal with challenges? What message would you like to share with other women who are going through a similar experience?
Naomi: “All my years of playing sports have helped me develop a strong mindset and a certain resilience, and I think that’s what helped me get through this ordeal. Exercise has a positive impact on both the body and the mind. My medical teams have always encouraged me to stay active, even during treatment, to reduce side effects and improve mental well-being. My main advice would be to listen to your body and not put pressure on yourself. Rediscovering the joy of movement is essential, and working with a coach can be a great way to ease back into it.”
What are your athletic or personal plans for the future, now that you’re in remission?
Naomi: “A friend and I had planned to ride a stage of the 2024 Tour together, but cancer changed those plans. Why not the 2025 Tour stage? I’d also like to train for a marathon, but for now, my treatments are keeping me from running as much as I’d like. Finally, I’d really love to go on a cycling road trip next summer.”
A huge thank you to Naomi for sharing her story with such honesty and courage. Her journey is a true source of inspiration, and we admire how she found the strength through sports to overcome the most difficult times. We are thrilled to see her in remission and to know that she continues to set new athletic goals for herself!
Naomi, we wish you all the best for the future and we can’t wait to follow your next adventures, whether they take you on the road by bike or maybe even to the starting line of a marathon... 💗
