Ciara Mageean has died. The sports world mourns the Irish European champion

Ciara Mageean is dead

On Sunday, a moving statement was published on the athlete's online profile.

"This morning, at 6:30 a.m., Ciara lost her battle with cancer, surrounded by her loved ones. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and an inspiration to many people - we will miss her very much. May she rest in peace," they wrote.

Ciara Mageean is the European champion. She made history in Irish athletics

In 2024, Ciara Mageean won the gold medal in the 1500 meters during the European Championships in Rome. She thus made history in Irish sport as the second player, after Sonia O'Sullivan, to win the individual title of European champion.

Previously, the athlete won a silver medal at the European Championships in 2022 and a bronze medal in 2016. She also won bronze at the European Indoor Championships in 2019.

During the world championships in Budapest in 2023, she took fourth place. She has represented Ireland at the Olympic Games twice - in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021.

Mageean was also scheduled to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, her plans were thwarted by an injury. In the last month of her life she got married.

Athletics Ireland says goodbye to the European champion

After the athlete's death, condolences were expressed to her family and loved ones by, among others, Athletics Ireland federation.

"Ciara was a much-loved and inspiring person who touched the lives of many. Her courage, warmth and fortitude will leave a lasting legacy. Everyone at Athletics Ireland's thoughts are with Ciara's family, friends and loved ones and offer them our sincere condolences at this incredibly difficult time. May she rest in peace," the statement said.

The sports world says goodbye to Ciara Mageean. "You broke the hearts of an entire nation"

Jake Wightman, the 2022 world 1,500 meters champion, shared a post on social media dedicated to the deceased athlete and wrote: "I was saddened to hear the news. She was a real star. Rest in peace, Ciara."

Amber Barrett, a player from the Irish national team, also posted a touching farewell. "I am devastated. She was the epitome of elegance and grace. God, Ciara, you broke the hearts of an entire nation. May God protect you. I am happy that I could have you in my life," she wrote.