Ciara Mageean, an Olympian who won gold in the 1,500 meters at the 2024 European championships, has passed away.
She was 34.
"At 6:30 a.m. this morning, Ciara lost her battle with cancer surrounded by her loved ones," a statement on her Instagram page said.
"A beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many, she will be deeply missed," it added.
Olympic runner Mageean dies aged 34 https://t.co/6Gsu5FG4pS
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) November 1, 2026
NBC News shared further:
Mageean won European gold in Rome two years ago, having clinched silver in the 1,500 in Munich in 2022. She placed fourth at the 2023 world championships and represented Ireland in two Olympics.
"Athletics Ireland is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ciara Mageean," a statement from Athletics Ireland read. "Ciara was a much-loved and inspirational figure who touched the lives of so many. Her courage, warmth and spirit will leave a lasting legacy."
World Athletics said it was "deeply saddened" by the news, calling her "an inspiration to many, on and off the track."
"It is with great sadness that we learned of Ciara's passing this morning at such a young age. A European champion and inspiration to many, it is a sad day for our sport – her loss will be felt across the athletics community," World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe said, according to ESPN.
"On behalf of everyone at World Athletics and the wider athletics family, I send our sincere condolences to Ciara's family and loved ones," Coe added.
'I thought as an athlete I'd die in my eighties. Now I won't make 40': Poignant last interview of Olympian Ciara Mageean who died aged just 34 after bowel cancer battle https://t.co/xiTjRcVlL5
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) November 2, 2026
ESPN has more:
Barrett's team-mate and Republic captain Katie McCabe added on X: "Truly heartbreaking news to hear about Ciara this morning. Sending all my love & prayers to her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We were so lucky to have such an incredible athlete represent our country with so much pride. May she rest in peace."
Mageean, from Portaferry, County Down, in Northern Ireland, was married last month.
Mageean, who competed at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, also won European 1,500-metre silver in 2022 and bronze in 2016, while she finished fourth in the World Championships in 2023.
She won silver competing for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.
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