Dr. Anne Tan Kendrick, rediscovered her love for athletics through Masters sport. After a cancer diagnosis forced her to step away, she used sport as a key part of her recovery – rebuilding strength, resilience, and confidence.
Now cancer-free, Anne is preparing to return to the track at the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei. We caught up with her to discuss the power of sport in overcoming challenges, her career highlights, and what she’s most looking forward to in Taipei.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey in sport?
My name is Dr Anne Tan Kendrick, and I’m a 61-year-old paediatric radiologist based in Singapore. As a teenager, I represented Singapore schools in athletics, but after having four children, I found my body wasn’t quite the same, and I lacked the motivation to change that.
That all shifted when an old school friend cheekily asked, “Heyyy auntie, can you still run?” and introduced me to masters athletics. I decided to give it a try in my 40s – and I fell in love with it.
I had to take a break between 2018 and 2024 to recover from Stage 3 ovarian cancer. It was a long and difficult road, but I am now disease-free and excited to return to the track at the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei.
What drew you to Masters Sport, and how has it sustained your passion?
It makes me feel alive! My body and mind feel good, and I can enjoy my favourite food, like laksa, without guilt! More recently, sport has played a critical role in my recovery. After three years of chemotherapy following major abdominal surgery for advanced ovarian cancer, I became very osteoporotic.
My abdomen was weak after having 11 parts removed, and my left leg would swell up easily from lymphoedema, and I felt like an elephant. My balance was off, and my fingers and soles of my feet hurt from chemo.
The injections I was given for osteoporosis had painful side effects, so I decided to try good old-fashioned weight-bearing exercises, like running and dancing to rebuild my strength.
Beyond the physical benefits, sport is a super stress reliever, and I enjoy making old and new social connections through it. Training for a competition adds an extra layer of excitement, pushing me to improve and keeping my mind engaged.
I believe little challenges in life are good for the body, mind, and spirit. For me, it’s more about the journey getting there than the actual competition result.
What are some of your career highlights in Masters Sport?
One of my proudest moments was at the 19th AMA Singapore Championships in 2016, where I won gold in the 300m hurdles, silver in the high jump, silver in the 4x100m relay, and gold in the 4x400m relay. We even broke the record in the Women’s 50–54 category for the 4x400m relay.
It was the best Mother’s Day present for my teammates and me!
What advice would you give to someone considering Masters Sport?
Just go for it! If the social aspect helps, join a running club. Having training partners and a support system makes the experience even more enjoyable.
You’ll be competing in Taipei at the 2025 World Masters Games. What are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to challenging myself, competing alongside other like-minded athletes, and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with masters sport.
Life is short – we’ve got to make the most of it while we can!
Sign up for the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei & New Taipei City here.
