Colleagues welcomed Mackenzie with open arms upon her return to work
Mackenzie and her gold medal return to Northern Beaches Hospital Northern Beaches Hospital has welcomed back ear, nose and throat registrar and newly crowned Commonwealth Games gold medallist Dr Mackenzie Little. Mackenzie represented Australia in the women’s javelin at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, producing a huge 61.88 metre throw in difficult conditions to claim her first senior international gold medal. As if studying medicine, working as a doctor and training as an elite athlete were not already strong indicators of Mackenzie’s drive, the 29-year-old returned to work after getting straight off the plane from Glasgow. Reflecting on the moment she realised she had won gold, Mackenzie said she experienced a wave of emotions.
“When I realised I’d won gold I couldn’t quite wipe the smile off my face,” she said. “It was such an immense feeling of relief and gratitude, with this season being the hardest so far in a lot of ways. “I’m so proud of myself for finding a way to keep this special athletics part of my life going while enjoying such a fulfilling medical career.” While winning gold at a major international event would be a lifelong dream for most, Mackenzie said having an identity and community beyond athletics helps keep her grounded, regardless of the result. “I find it so grounding to come back from big competitions straight to work and I look forward to it,” she said. “I feel it’s such a competitive advantage to know that my identity isn’t tied solely to my athletic results and that is really freeing because no matter the outcome I feel valuable and valued at work. “My NBH colleagues are absolutely delightful and walking through the corridors this week to so many smiles and congratulations is truly special.”
Mackenzie Little with her gold medal in Glasgow
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 19| 4 OCTOBER 2024 NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 15 | 14 AUGUST 2026
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