Inspiring cancer mum does Hyrox, triathlons with half her lung capacity

Singapore – In early January 2026, 57-year-old Vivian Chee began the year with a 22km nature run in Melaka. This impressive feat is even more remarkable considering she completed her first Hyrox fitness race in November 2025 and has continued endurance training, all while living with only half her lung capacity following a battle with colon cancer and three related surgeries since 2020.

A Lifelong Journey to Fitness

Ms. Chee’s journey to athleticism began later in life. She took her first fitness walk at age 39, sparked by a friend’s invitation to climb Bukit Timah Hill in 2008. That initial experience ignited a passion for movement that has defined her life ever since. Despite early struggles – collapsing after just 1.6km in her first race and experiencing panic while learning to swim – she persevered.

Balancing Family and Fitness

Ms. Chee continued to challenge herself, completing a 40km cycling event while five weeks pregnant with her youngest child, Joel. After Joel’s birth in October 2010, she resumed running six months later. She then progressed to longer distances, including 21km races and swim events. In March 2012, at age 43, she completed the Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon – a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21.1km run – finishing in seven hours and 50 minutes, just ten minutes before the cut-off.

Did You Know? The Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore Triathlon in 2012 attracted 1,562 participants, with 71 being local women.

Facing Cancer with Resilience

In 2018, Ms. Chee began experiencing bowel pain that led to a diagnosis of stage 2 colon cancer in May 2019. She underwent surgery at the National University Hospital (NUH) a month later, followed by six months of chemotherapy. Remarkably, she continued to participate in endurance events during this time, including a 100-lap swimathon and a 6km open-water swim in the Philippines.

Recurring Challenges and Continued Determination

In September 2020, scans revealed the cancer had spread to her left lung, requiring another surgery. Then, in August 2021, the cancer reappeared in both lungs, necessitating further procedures – a keyhole surgery on her left lung and an open-chest surgery on her right. These surgeries ultimately left Ms. Chee with half her lung capacity.

Expert Insight: Ms. Chee’s case highlights the potential for cancer to recur and spread, even after initial treatment. Early detection and surgical removal of lung metastases can be a curative option, but the cumulative impact of multiple surgeries presents significant challenges to recovery.

Despite these setbacks, Ms. Chee continued to train, completing an Ironman 70.3 race in Langkawi in October 2024, though she did not finish the bike portion. In December 2024, she received news of another nodule in her left lung, leading to further surgery. Complications arose two weeks post-surgery, requiring a two-week hospital stay due to fluid accumulation in her chest.

Looking Ahead

After a challenging recovery, Ms. Chee resumed training in May 2025, and successfully completed the Hyrox fitness race in November 2025. Hyrox combines an 8km run with eight fitness stations. She has plans for further races in 2026, including a regional Hyrox event and a return to the half Ironman in Busselton, Western Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cancer did Ms. Chee battle?

Ms. Chee was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer in May 2019, which later metastasized to her lungs.

How many lung surgeries has Ms. Chee undergone?

Ms. Chee has undergone three lung surgeries since 2020.

What is Hyrox?

Hyrox is a high-intensity fitness race comprising an 8km run broken up by eight fitness stations. There is no cut-off time for completing the race.

Given Ms. Chee’s incredible resilience and dedication, what motivates you to pursue your own personal challenges?