Sport · Singapore Bureau
Cancer survivor finds healing in running, becomes competitive athlete
A Singapore-based single mother has emerged as a competitive runner and obstacle course athlete despite undergoing chemotherapy that caused severe swelling in her feet. Now 53, Cassandra Hie has secured more than 10 podium finishes since her breast cancer diagnosis.
LSN Singapore ·
Cassandra Hie's journey into competitive running began not with athletic ambition, but as a coping mechanism. The single mother initially took up the sport to process the emotional toll of her divorce, finding solace in the physical demands of training and the mental clarity that running provided.
When Hie was later diagnosed with breast cancer, she continued running through her treatment regimen. Even as chemotherapy caused significant swelling in her feet—making it painful to wear shoes—she persisted with her training and racing. Rather than becoming an obstacle to her athletic pursuits, her diagnosis seemed to deepen her commitment to the sport.
Today, at 53 years old, Hie has established herself as a formidable presence in the competitive running community. She has competed as a Hyrox athlete, participating in hybrid fitness competitions that combine running with obstacle course elements. Since her cancer diagnosis, she has achieved more than 10 top-three finishes in various competitions.
Hie's story underscores the therapeutic potential of endurance sports, particularly for those navigating significant life challenges. Her sustained athletic performance through cancer treatment and recovery demonstrates both physical resilience and mental fortitude, inspiring others facing similar health battles to seek active paths toward healing and personal achievement.