First Minister joins well-wishes as NI Olympian Ciara Mageean (33) reveals cancer diagnosis
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has led well-wishes to Co Down athlete Ciara Mageean, who has been diagnosed with cancer.
The European champion and two-time Olympian announced the news on Friday evening.
Last year she clinched her first major title at the age of 32 as she won 1500m gold at the European Championships in Rome.
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'To everyone who's been part of my journey so far, I have some difficult news to share: I've been diagnosed with cancer,' she said.
'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 face this with the same fight I've always brought to the track.'
There has been an outpouring of support for the champion since she shared her diagnosis.
Michelle O'Neill replied: 'So sorry to hear this, Ciara. Wishing you all the very best. You've shown such incredible strength and determination throughout your career, and I've no doubt you'll face this latest challenge with the same courage.'
The governing body for the sport in Europe, European Athletics, said: 'Everyone at European Athletics sends their best wishes to Ciara Mageean following her recent cancer diagnosis.'
Sinn Fein MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, said: 'Thoughts with Ciara Mageean as she embarks on her journey to overcome cancer.
'We know her incredible fighting spirit, combined with the powerful wave of solidarity from Co Down & supporters far and wide, will be a profound source of strength.'
Former DUP Education Minister, Lord Weir of Ballyholme, said: 'Best wishes to champion local athlete Ciara Mageean as she faces her greatest battle having been diagnosed with cancer.
"I'm sure she'll fight it with the same determination as she has brought to the track.'
After recovering from a serious ankle injury, she came third in the 2016 European Championships and was a runner-up in 2022 before topping the podium in Rome last year.
Mageean made her Olympic debut in Rio in 2016 and competed at the delayed 2021 Games in Tokyo, where her preparations were hampered by a calf issue.
She was set to race at the Paris Olympics last year as a reigning European champion but an Achilles injury ruled her out on the eve of her 1500m heat.
Mageean's impressive career has also included a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, fourth place at the World Championships in 2023, and Irish records in the 800m, 1,000m, 1500m and mile.
In 2023 she was named the BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year.
In January, Mageean announced her engagement to long-term partner Thomas Moran, who she has been with for over a decade.
Sharing the news on social media she said: 'My biggest prize yet: 2024 came to a close by answering the easiest question I've ever been asked.
"Tommy has been the rock by my side for over ten years, and now, my training partner for life.'
Having been based in England for seven years, training with Team New Balance Manchester, Mageean moved back to Northern Ireland last year, having left the group earlier in the year.
The Portaferry native bought a home in Belfast along with her fiance, Thomas Moran, and has been primarily based there over the past year.
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