European champion and two-time Olympian Ciara Mageean has been diagnosed with cancer.

The middle-distance runner, from Portaferry in Northern Ireland, said the diagnosis has “been a lot to take in”, but added she is “ready to face this with the same fight I’ve always brought to the track”.

Posting on Instagram, 33-year-old Mageean said: “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.

“I’ve already started treatment and I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded by the love and support of my close family and 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.

“Thank you for the love and strength. I’m with the same fight I’ve always brought to the track.”