On the Wilma team, Perrine had been following Justine for quite some time. Her cheerful disposition, energy, and determination inspired us right away. So, naturally, we asked her to try on an outfit and chat with us a bit. And today, we’re so excited to share her story with you ❤️
In this article, we want above all to highlight Justine’s strength, the importance of sports when life throws us a curveball, and to remind everyone that here, we support all women, no matter their background.
Justine, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your relationship with sports?
My name is Justine, and I’m 21 years old. I’m a student studying interior design and project management. Sports have always been a part of my life: I love to stay active, push myself, and live life to the fullest. Before my diagnosis, I was training for my first marathon. I was already exercising regularly and had many plans in mind.
When you found out about your diagnosis, what motivated you to keep going?
In February 2025, at the age of 20, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. My first thought was, “Will I still be able to run?” Unfortunately, I was told I couldn’t run anymore because of heart damage. But I knew I couldn’t give up sports entirely.
So I turned to walking and hiking. It was my way of staying active, but above all, of keeping my spirits up.
How did sports help you during your illness?
Physically, it helped me limit muscle loss and cope better with chemotherapy.
Mentally, it was vital: going out for a walk, even when I was tired or feeling nauseous, allowed me to breathe and not get trapped by my illness. Without that, I would have let myself go.
What were your biggest challenges?
The hardest part was during the days of aplasia, when my body just couldn’t keep up. Still, I made the effort to put on my sneakers. Thanks to my discipline, I set small goals for myself that helped me stay strong both mentally and physically.
Has exercise helped you regain confidence in your body?
Yes, every time I managed to walk several kilometers despite the treatments, I realized that my body was still capable. It restored my confidence and reminded me that I wasn’t just a patient, but an athlete.
Have there been any memorable moments when sports really lifted you up?
Yes, two moments in particular:
- The start of a 10K race in my town, right in the middle of my treatment. My body was exhausted, but I finished the race. Surrounded by my family and friends, that day was a huge source of motivation.
- On my 21st birthday, right after a round of chemo: I decided to walk 21 km to celebrate my 21st birthday. Even though I was tired, I rose to the challenge. It’s a victory I’ll never forget.
What are your fitness goals right now?
My first big goal: to run my first marathon—the one that illness prevented me from completing when I was 20. I’m aiming for the Barcelona Marathon in March 2026, followed by the New York Marathon, which has always been a dream of mine.
I’ve also taken up trail running, and I’d like to compete in major mountain races. Switching between road and trail running motivates me and pushes me to keep pushing myself further.
Has sports helped you meet other women in the same situation?
Yes, thanks to social media, I was able to connect with others affected by cancer. I hope I’ve inspired as many people as possible to stay active despite their illness. I also took part in the Triathlon des Roses in Paris, an event bringing together people affected by cancer. It was a powerful and unifying experience: through sports, we were all fighting the same battle.
💗 Pink October: A Message of Strength and Solidarity
Justine’s story illustrates the power of sports: beyond performance, it becomes a source of resilience, confidence, and freedom.
At Wilma, we deeply believe in this strength and support all women at every stage of their journey.
Because no matter the distance, no matter the challenges: moving forward remains an act of strength and hope.
Thank you, Justine, for your answers,
You can follow her on social media right here: JUSTINESVLL
