Ciara Mageean reveals she has been diagnosed with cancer

Michael Bolton

European 1500m champion Ciara Mageean has revealed that she’s been diagnosed with cancer.

In a post on Instagram on Friday evening, the 33-year-old wrote: “To everyone who’s been part of my journey so far, I have some difficult news to share: I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. 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.”

Mageean missed out on the Paris Olympics due to an Achilles tendon issue.

She had just won gold at the World Championships in Rome last June.

The Co Down native had been eyeing up the world championships in Tokyo in September, but was ruled out due to an injury to her ankle.

Mageean is the fastest Irishwoman in history at 800m, 1000m, 1500m and the mile.