Ciara Mageean, a former European champion and two-time Olympian, has died aged 34 from bowel cancer.
The middle-distance runner, from Portaferry in Northern Ireland, was given a stage-four diagnosis in May 2025, a year after withdrawing from Paris 2024.
A statement posted on her social media on Sunday said: “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 rest in peace).”
Having represented Ireland at the 2016 and 2020 Games, Mageean was forced to withdraw from Paris because of an Achilles injury.
Until then, it had been her most successful year in running. She won the 1500m gold at the European Championships in Rome, her first major title.
Mageean also represented Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games, winning 1500m silver at Birmingham 2022.
Athletics Ireland said “we are heartbroken”.
“An inspiration to so many, Ciara will be remembered for her courage, kindness and incredible spirit,” the governing body added. “Our deepest sympathies are with her family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Ciara.”
In June, Mageean said she was “continuing to find the joy in everyday” as she thanked people for their support after her diagnosis. She told the BBC she was “grateful” for a career “that many others didn’t get to have”.
Mageean married her long-term partner Thomas Moran in a small civil ceremony in Belfast last month.
Mageean played camogie as a youngster for Portaferry GAC, but she chose athletics instead to pursue her Olympic dream. As a junior, she secured 1500m silvers at the 2010 World Junior Championships and 2011 European Junior Championships. A serious ankle injury dashed her hopes of making London 2012, however.
Sign up to Herald Premium Editor’s Picks, delivered straight to your inbox every Friday. Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness picks the week’s best features, interviews and investigations. Sign up for Herald Premium here.