News Corp sports journalist Rebecca Wilson loses battle with breast cancer
Award-winning sports journalist, columnist and broadcaster, Rebecca Wilson, passed away this morning after a long battle with breast cancer.
Wilson had worked in newspaper, television, and radio for over 20 years, covering sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games, Seoul Olympics and Rugby League tournaments and was a popular sports columnist at the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, and was regarded by many as a pioneer for women in sports journalism.
Former colleague, Sydney broadcaster Alan Jones paid a tribute on air: “Bec was a force of nature in a way. She was brilliant, she was unsparing.”
The Daily Telegraph issued a statement this morning on behalf of Wilson’s husband, Prime TV chairman John Hartigan, and sons Tom and Will: “Our amazing Bec lost her long battle against breast cancer early today. Courage has always been a significant part of her DNA, no less in her desperate battle against her insidious disease.”
“We are so proud that she was so fearless in her chosen role as a sports journalist. She brushed aside evil trolls, bullies and organised crime figures to prosecute her craft.”
“She proved that women had an equally important role in sports journalism as her male counterparts. We dearly love and miss our Bec.”
So sad to hear this. Rebecca’s work on TV and radio was insightful and well informed. Didn’t read her columns much as I don’t live in Sydney but always enjoyed hearing her opinions. She was one of the best sports journos.
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It’s hard to believe Bec has left us. Like so many have said, it was her spirit, her no nonsense honesty and her unbridled passion for everything she did, that drew her to us. Rebecca Wilson was a force and a joyous soul. God bless you Bec and rest in peace, free from the pain. Walshie x
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