Ciara Mageean has expressed her gratitude for the “kind words of support” she received during chemotherapy treatment.
The European champion and two-time Olympian from Portaferry, Northern Ireland, revealed in July that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
Mageean, 33, posted on Instagram on Thursday to share what he called “a little life update” accompanied by photos of family and friends over the festive period.
“I finished my 12th round of chemo just before Christmas, which meant I had a lovely chemo-free Christmas with my family,” she said.
“The last few months have been a mix of cuddling Sam, our little springer spaniel on the couch, and spending time with my nearest and dearest when my energy returned. Without them, I would be lost.”
The middle-distance runner added that she had “shed many tears” when reading the messages of support since the news of her diagnosis.
“I want to thank everyone who has sent me such kind words of support over the past few months,” he added.
“I have shed so many tears reading your beautiful messages, in those difficult days you really encouraged me, so thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
“I still have a long road ahead of me, but for now I continue to find joy in every day.”
Mageean has won gold, silver and bronze medals in the 1,500 meters at the European Championships.
After recovering from a serious ankle injury, she placed third in 2016 and runner-up in 2022 before climbing to the top of the podium in Rome for Ireland in 2024.
Mageean made his Olympic debut at Rio 2016 and competed at the delayed 2021 Games in Tokyo, where his preparations were hampered by a calf problem.
She was set to compete at the Paris Olympics in 2024 as the reigning European champion, but an Achilles tendon injury ruled her out on the eve of her 1,500m heat.
Mageean’s stellar career also includes a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, a fourth place at the World Championships in 2023 and Irish records in the 800m, 1000m, 1500m and the mile.
She was named BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year for 2023 after an impressive year, which saw her break national records and come fourth in a competitive World Championship final.