Portaferry,Northern ireland – December 28,2023 – European champion Ciara Mageean has publicly expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support she received throughout her recent chemotherapy treatment,revealing her cancer diagnosis in July. The 33-year-old athlete shared a heartfelt update on Instagram Thursday, offering a glimpse into her life during treatment.
Finding Joy Amidst Challenge
The Irish runner detailed a journey marked by both difficult days and cherished moments wiht loved ones as she completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy.
- Mageean completed her 12th round of chemotherapy just before Christmas.
- She credits her family, friends, and even her springer spaniel, Sam, with providing crucial support.
- The athlete acknowledged being deeply moved by the numerous messages of encouragement she received.
- Despite a long road ahead, Mageean remains focused on finding joy in everyday life.
“I finished my 12th round of chemo just before Christmas,which meant I had a lovely chemo free Christmas with my family,” Mageean posted,accompanied by photos of festive gatherings. She described the past few months as a blend of quiet moments – “cuddling Sam our wee springer spaniel on the sofa” – and quality time with those closest to her when her energy allowed. “Without them I would be lost,” she added.
What kind of support helped ciara mageean through chemotherapy? Mageean revealed she was profoundly touched by the kindness shown to her, admitting to “shed[ding] so many tears reading your gorgeous messages.” She expressed sincere thanks to everyone who reached out, emphasizing that their words provided a significant lift during challenging times.
Mageean’s athletic achievements are considerable. She has secured gold, silver, and bronze medals in the 1500m at the European Championships, culminating in a gold medal in Rome in 2024. Her path to success hasn’t been without obstacles; she overcame a serious ankle injury to achieve a third-place finish in 2016, followed by a silver medal in 2022.
The two-time Olympian debuted at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and competed in the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021,though her preparations were hampered by a calf issue. She was initially slated to compete at the 2024 paris Olympics as the reigning European champion, but an Achilles injury unluckily ruled her out on the eve of her 1500m heat.
Beyond her European success,mageean’s career boasts a silver medal from the 2022 Commonwealth Games,a fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Championships,and Irish records in the 800m,1,000m,1500m,and mile.she was recognized as the 2023 BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year following a year of breaking national records and a strong performance at the World Championships.
Quick fact: Mageean holds Irish records in four different track events – the 800m, 1,000m, 1500m, and mile.
“I still have a long road ahead but for now I’m continuing to find the joy in everyday,” Mageean concluded in her Instagram post, offering a message of resilience and optimism to her followers.
