Irish middle-distance star and two-time Olympian Ciara Mageean has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer.
The 33-year-old athlete from Portaferry, Northern Ireland, shared the news in an emotional statement posted to Instagram, describing the diagnosis as “a lot to take in,” but vowing to face the challenge with the same determination she has shown throughout her career.
“To everyone who’s been part of my journey so far, I have some difficult news to share: I’ve been diagnosed with cancer,” Mageean wrote.
“It’s been a lot to take in, but I’ve already started treatment and I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded by the love and support of my family and close friends.
“Right now, my focus is on healing and taking things one day at a time. I kindly ask that you respect my privacy and that of my loved ones as we move through this together. Your understanding means more than I can say.
“Thank you for the love and strength. I’m ready to fight this with the same fight I’ve always brought to the track.”
Mageean has enjoyed a stellar athletics career marked by resilience, consistency, and medal success on the European and world stage. A three-time European Championship medalist, she won bronze in 2016, silver in 2022, and claimed gold in Rome in 2024, cementing her place as one of Ireland’s most accomplished track athletes.
A two-time Olympian, Mageean made her debut at the Rio 2016 Games and returned for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021, despite being hindered by a calf injury. She was set to represent Ireland at the upcoming Paris Olympics as reigning European champion, but was forced to withdraw just before her 1500m heat due to an Achilles injury.
In addition to her European success, Mageean secured a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and narrowly missed the podium with a fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. That same year, she was named BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year after breaking multiple national records and delivering one of the best seasons of her career.
She currently holds Irish records in the 800m, 1000m, 1500m, and the mile, showcasing her versatility and elite talent across a range of middle-distance events.
Mageean’s courage and fighting spirit, hallmarks of her racing career, now define her personal battle off the track. The athletics community and fans around the world have already begun rallying around her with messages of support and admiration.
As she begins treatment, Mageean remains focused on healing, bolstered by the same tenacity that has made her one of Ireland’s greatest-ever athletes.
