The athletics world is in mourning after Olympian and Irish track legend Ciara Mageean died on Sunday evening (AEST).
The 34-year-old passed away following a battle with Stage 4 bowel cancer.
A statement published on Mageean’s Instagram by her family confirmed the news: “At 6:30am this morning, Ciara lost her battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones.
“A beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam (May her soul be at the right hand of God).”
Mageean was diagnosed in May 2025 before going public with her battle earlier this year.
Mageean is one of Ireland’s greatest athletes, picking up a European gold medal at the 2024 Rome championships.
She was also a two-time Olympian, representing Ireland in the 1500m at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games.
Tragically, she was set to race at the Paris Games in 2024, only for her to pick up an Achilles injury 24 hours before she was set to race.
In her athletics career, Mageean also won European bronze in 2016, silver in 2022, and a Commonwealth Games silver in 2022.
She also holds the national records in the 800m (1:58.51), 1000m (2:31.06), 1500m (3:55.87), and the mile (4:14.58).
And news of her passing, which came just weeks after she tied the knot with her long-term partner Thomas Moran, led to a flood of tributes from the athletics world.
“There are no words. Just the most beautiful person in every way imaginable. You will be so missed, our hearts and love are with Tommy and your family,” a tribute from Australian middle and long-distance champ Jess Hull read.
“Lucky to have shared some miles with you but even more special to have celebrated milestones at the finish line together, I’m so grateful for every moment, rest easy Ciara.”
“Rest in peace Ciara. Sending all my love, thoughts and prayers,” Irish football star Katie McCabe commented.
World Athletics said: “ Heartbreaking news. A fighter on and off the track. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the entire athletics community. She will be deeply missed.”
“What a light you were Ciara. You will be so missed- such a special person on and off the track,” American long-distance runner Molly Huddle commented.
“Sending so much love and strength to all your closest. A remarkable person,”
Dutch World Champion Femke Bol, legendary US skiier Lindsay Vonn and Norwegian middle-distance world record holder Jakob Ingebrigtsen left heart emojis on the post announcing her death.
While her former teammate Phil Healy described her as “truly the most amazing person”, and former world race-walking champion Rob Heffernan hailed her as a gift to the world.
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