Jana Pittman, a three-time Olympian and two-time world champion, has described her 39 years as feeling like she has 'lived five lives'. The former 400-metre hurdler, who was once Australia's golden girl, has experienced both glory and tragedy throughout her career.
Pittman's emotional display at the 2004 Athens Olympics turned her into a public pariah, earning her the nickname 'Drama Jana'. She suppressed her personality for years, which affected her performance, until she found her passion again through becoming a doctor.
Now a mother-of-five with a sixth on the way, Pittman has returned to the public eye through reality TV series SAS Australia, where she has been accepted for her true self. She admits to struggling with self-esteem and fitting in, but found solace in sport from a young age.
Her dream of Olympic gold dominated her teenage years, leading to a World Championship win in 2003. However, a knee injury before the Athens Games required surgery, and her dramatic crutch-throwing incident cemented her 'Drama Jana' label, which she now regrets.
