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Testing my limits and inspiring others” Owen’s story
My name is Owen Lancelot, at 16, I was diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis, a condition that would profoundly alter the course of my life. What followed was a series of aggressive treatments: high-dose prednisolone that left me with a puffy “moon face” during my final year of high school, alongside multiple biologics like infliximab, vedolizumab, and tofacitinib, none of which brought lasting relief. The years that followed were filled with constant hospital stays, constant fatigue, and the struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy amid an ongoing health crisis.
By late 2022, my condition had deteriorated to the point where a surgical intervention was the only viable option. On the 21st of November, I underwent a nine-hour robotic keyhole total colectomy. During the surgery, the medical team discovered a burst appendix, an unexpected complication that added another layer of complexity to an already intense procedure. What was supposed to be a two-day stay in the ICU stretched into nine arduous days, with my body struggling to stabilise. Just as I began to recover, I was hit with a mechanical blockage, an experience I can only describe as the most excruciating and terrifying moment of my life. An emergency surgery ensued, and I found myself back in the hospital, enduring another month-long stay, unable to eat and fighting for my life.
Yet, through this turbulent period, something changed within me. As my body slowly regained strength, so did my resolve. I knew I had been given a second chance, and I was determined to make the most of it. Less than two months after my total colectomy, I completed a sprint triathlon with my new ileostomy bag, finishing 8th in my age group. The victory was more than just a physical achievement; it was a testament to my willpower and a signal to myself that my journey was far from over.
From that point on, my passion for endurance sports only grew. I’ve since run over 2,000 kilometres, tackled numerous races, and most recently finished the Melbourne Marathon in under four hours. I’ve summited Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo, one of the most prominent peaks in the world, which stands at 4,095 meters. It was a journey of endurance and mental strength, navigating steep trails and unpredictable weather. But with every step, I felt a renewed sense of purpose, a reminder of how far I’ve come since lying in that hospital bed.
Running has become more than just a sport for me; it’s a form of therapy, a way to reclaim control over my body after years of feeling helpless. Through these experiences, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the physical and emotional challenges that come with living with an ostomy bag. It was during my training and recovery that I had a realisation which led me to start a company aimed at helping others like me regain their confidence in movement with supportive clothing. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to feel secure and supported during physical activities, and I’m now channeling my experiences into creating a solution for that.
As I prepare for the upcoming ultramarathon in Winter 2025 that I am currently planning; a gruelling 100 kilometres that will push my limits like never before. I am also looking ahead to how I can give back to the community that has supported me throughout this journey. I believe there’s a significant opportunity to combine my passion for endurance sports with a mission to raise awareness and funds for ongoing research.
Throughout my recovery, the support I received from others living with Crohn’s Disease and colitis was invaluable. Now, I want to give back by sharing my story, advocating for more visibility of chronic illnesses, and using my platform to help others feel less isolated in their own struggles. My journey, from being diagnosed as a teenager to facing life-threatening complications, and now, pushing my physical and mental boundaries through endurance sports, reflects the strength and resilience that so many in our community possess. I want to use my platform, including my social media channels BagOnTheRun on TikTok and jackofclubs_ on Instagram, to amplify this cause.
I see this upcoming race as an opportunity not just to test my own limits but to inspire others who might be going through similar hardships.