When viewers tune into Sky News on weekend mornings, they’re greeted by a familiar face that has become synonymous with sports journalism excellence. Jacquie Beltrao has carved out an impressive career spanning over three decades, earning respect not just for her professional accomplishments but also for her incredible courage in facing life’s toughest challenges.
The Woman Behind the Camera
Born on April 21, 1965, in Dublin, Ireland, Jacquie Beltrao age currently stands at 59 years, though her energy and passion for sports broadcasting remain as vibrant as ever. She grew up in Coventry, England, after her family relocated from Ireland, setting the foundation for what would become an extraordinary life journey.
Before becoming a household name in sports journalism, she pursued her education at Birmingham University, where she studied sports science. This academic background would prove invaluable in her future career, giving her the technical knowledge and understanding that set her apart as a commentator.
From Olympic Dreams to Broadcasting Heights
What many viewers might not know is that Jacquie Beltrao was an accomplished athlete long before she became a sports presenter. She represented Great Britain as a rhythmic gymnast at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, finishing 31st in the All-Around competition. This firsthand experience as an elite athlete gives her a unique perspective when covering sporting events, allowing her to connect with both athletes and audiences on a deeper level.
After retiring from competitive gymnastics, she transitioned into broadcasting, joining Sky News in 1992. She initially worked as a publicist before evolving into the sports reporter and presenter role that would define her career. Over the years, she has become one of the longest-serving television breakfast presenters at Sky News, a testament to her skill, dedication, and viewer appeal.
A Distinguished Broadcasting Career
Throughout her tenure at Sky News, she has covered some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. From Cricket World Cups to the Premier League, from Wimbledon to the US Open Tennis, and the Women’s World Cup, her coverage has informed and entertained millions of viewers. Her expertise spans multiple sports, though she has shown particular passion for tennis, conducting numerous reports for both Sky News and Sky Sports News.
As of today, Jacquie Beltrao presents weekend sports updates on Sky News Breakfast, appearing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Her warm, approachable style, combined with professional insight, has made her segments a favorite among viewers who appreciate both her knowledge and her genuine enthusiasm for sports.
One of the highlights of her career has been the opportunity to interview some of the greatest athletes of our time. She has sat down with tennis legends, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams. These conversations showcase her ability to draw out compelling stories while maintaining the respect and rapport that comes from her own athletic background.
Love and Family Life
Beyond the newsroom, she enjoys a fulfilling family life. Jacquie Beltrao husband is Eduardo Beltrao, a Brazilian national whom she married on December 5, 1999, after meeting him on June 2, 1996. Their love story has been one of mutual support and partnership, particularly during challenging times.
Together, they have three children: Amelia, Tiago, and Jorge. The family resides in South West London and also owns a holiday home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, allowing them to maintain connections with Eduardo’s heritage. An animal lover, she is also passionate about animal welfare, having represented Dogs Trust and proudly owning three rescue dogs.
Her personal interests extend beyond sports broadcasting. She is a devoted supporter of Arsenal Football Club, as well as Celtic and the Republic of Ireland national football team, reflecting her Irish roots and English upbringing.
Facing the Ultimate Challenge
The most profound chapter in her life began on Christmas Eve 2013, when she received devastating news: she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis was a turning point that would test her resilience in ways her Olympic training never had.
She underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, followed by chemotherapy. Throughout this difficult period, she maintained a remarkably positive attitude, even finding innovative solutions to cope with treatment side effects. During chemotherapy, she wore a cold cap to preserve her hair and worked with hair specialists to maintain her appearance, which was particularly important given her public-facing role.
After successful treatment and recovery, she became an ambassador for the breast cancer charity Future Dreams, using her platform to raise awareness and support others facing similar battles. Her experience made her a voice of hope for countless women dealing with the disease.
However, in June 2020, at the start of lockdown, she received news that would shake her world once again. Jacquie Beltrao stage 4 cancer diagnosis revealed that her breast cancer had returned as secondary breast cancer, this time caused by a rare somatic BRCA 1 mutation. Unlike inherited BRCA mutations, this was specific to the cancer itself and couldn’t be passed down to her children.
This diagnosis meant the cancer was now treatable but not curable. She shared the news publicly on social media, demonstrating remarkable courage by being open about her journey. The diagnosis came with the reality that she was living with stage IV breast cancer, a situation that brings understandable anxiety and fear.
A Warrior’s Approach to Treatment
Facing this new reality, she adopted what can only be described as a warrior’s mentality. As a former elite athlete, she understood the importance of a comprehensive approach to any challenge. She combined conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies, creating a holistic strategy to fight the disease.
She began taking olaparib, a targeted cancer drug developed through research partly funded by Breast Cancer Now. This PARP inhibitor has been instrumental in controlling her cancer. In June 2023, she had the emotional opportunity to meet the scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, who led the early research into this life-changing medication. Professor Andrew Tutt and Professor Chris Lord were part of the team whose work has literally kept her alive.
Beyond medication, she changed her diet, eliminating sugar and incorporating foods believed to support cancer treatment. She also explored oxygen therapy and mistletoe treatment, which is commonly used in Germany to boost the immune system during cancer care. Her philosophy was simple: bombard the cancer from every possible angle.
Inspiring Others Through Transparency
What sets her apart is not just her fight against cancer, but her willingness to share every step of the journey with the public. She regularly posts updates on social media, discussing everything from “scanxiety” – the anxiety before and after scans – to the everyday challenges of living with stage 4 cancer.
In one particularly honest post, she described the fear that accompanies every PET scan: “PET scans scare me every.single.time. What will they find this time? Hopefully nothing but what if?” She openly acknowledged that with stage 4 cancer, every ache or pain could potentially be a new tumor, making medical scans both necessary and terrifying.
Her transparency has created a community of support around her. Thousands of people follow her journey, drawing inspiration from her courage and honesty. She doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of living with an incurable disease, but she also refuses to let it define her entirely.
Remarkable Progress and Hope
The latest news about her health has been remarkably positive. At her scan in April 2023, she received incredible news: she currently has no detectable evidence of disease. While this doesn’t mean she’s cured – she continues her treatment with olaparib and requires regular check-ups – it represents an extraordinary outcome that exceeded all expectations.
By June 2024, she celebrated three years of NED (No Evidence of Disease), a milestone that seemed almost impossible when she first received her stage 4 diagnosis. She shared this celebration on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the massive team of medical professionals and researchers who made this outcome possible.
Throughout 2024 and into 2025, jacquie beltrao latest news has continued to be encouraging. She remains actively working at Sky News, presenting her weekend sports segments with the same professionalism and enthusiasm that has characterized her career. Her ability to balance treatment, regular scans, and a demanding career is nothing short of remarkable.
A Legacy Beyond Broadcasting
Her impact extends far beyond the sports segments she presents. She has become a powerful advocate for breast cancer awareness, particularly secondary breast cancer. She has spoken on the Future Dreams podcast “And Then Came Breast Cancer,” sharing her story to help others understand what living with metastatic breast cancer truly means.
She has also been vocal about the need for more research funding for secondary breast cancer. In interviews, she has expressed frustration that while COVID-19 vaccines were developed in months, breakthrough cures for secondary breast cancer remain elusive. She has called for the same urgency in cancer research that was applied to the pandemic, emphasizing that for people with stage IV cancer, finding a cure is a true emergency.
As a female sports presenter in what has historically been a male-dominated field, she has paved the way for other women in sports journalism. Her three-decade career at Sky News has proven that women can excel in sports broadcasting, bringing unique perspectives and connecting with audiences in meaningful ways.
The Power of Positivity and Community
Despite the challenges, she maintains what she describes as a relentlessly positive attitude. This doesn’t mean she doesn’t have difficult days or moments of fear, but rather that she chooses to focus on what she can control and finds joy where she can.
Her social media presence reflects this balance. She shares photos of family vacations, her beloved rescue dogs, workout sessions, and moments of beauty alongside the more difficult realities of cancer treatment. This authenticity has endeared her to viewers who see not just a sports presenter but a real person navigating life’s complexities with grace.
She has also found community among others living with secondary breast cancer. On Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day, she shares her story to provide hope to others who are newly diagnosed or struggling with their own battles. Her message is clear: while stage 4 cancer is serious, it’s possible to continue living a meaningful, joyful life.
Continuing to Inspire
As she continues her work at Sky News, she represents something powerful: the idea that a cancer diagnosis, even an advanced one, doesn’t have to be the end of the story. She has shown that it’s possible to continue pursuing your passions, loving your family, and making contributions to your field while managing a serious illness.
Her colleagues at Sky News have stood by her throughout her cancer journey, supporting her time away for treatment while welcoming her back whenever she’s ready to return. This professional support, combined with the love of her family, has created a foundation that allows her to thrive despite the circumstances.
For aspiring broadcasters, particularly women interested in sports journalism, she serves as an inspiration. She has demonstrated that longevity in the field comes from genuine passion, thorough preparation, and the ability to connect authentically with both interview subjects and audiences.
Looking Forward
Her story is still being written. Every scan brings a mixture of anxiety and hope, and every day offers new opportunities and challenges. What remains constant is her determination to make the most of each moment, whether that’s presenting the latest sports news, spending time with her family, advocating for cancer research, or simply enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
The combination of her professional achievements and personal courage has created a legacy that transcends sports broadcasting. She has shown that vulnerability can coexist with strength, that transparency can inspire hope, and that even in the face of life-threatening illness, joy and purpose are still possible.
As she continues to navigate her health journey while maintaining her career at Sky News, she remains a beacon of hope for cancer patients worldwide. Her message is clear: stage 4 cancer is serious, but it doesn’t mean giving up. With the right treatment, support system, and attitude, it’s possible to continue living fully and making meaningful contributions to the world.
Her presence on weekend mornings continues to bring not just sports news but also a reminder of human resilience. For viewers who know her story, every appearance is a small victory, a reminder that life goes on and that pursuing your passion is worth fighting for.
Conclusion
Jacquie Beltrao journey from Olympic gymnast to beloved sports presenter, and now to cancer awareness advocate, tells a story of adaptability, courage, and unwavering spirit. At 59 years old, she continues to break barriers and inspire countless individuals, both through her professional work and her personal example.
Her three decades at Sky News have established her as one of British sports broadcasting’s most respected voices. Yet it’s her battle with stage 4 cancer and her willingness to share that journey that may ultimately be her greatest contribution. By living openly and honestly with her diagnosis, she has given hope to thousands of people facing similar challenges.
Whether she’s interviewing tennis champions, presenting weekend sports updates, or sharing her latest scan results on social media, she remains authentically herself – a talented journalist, devoted wife and mother, animal lover, sports enthusiast, and warrior in the fight against cancer. Her story continues to unfold, and with each day, she writes new chapters of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
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