Australian runner Natasha Ward has died at the age of 21, according to a joint statement released by Athletics NSW and Sutherland District Athletics.
The cause of death of the rising athletics star was not publicly disclosed until Monday. The statement read: "Natasha was an outstanding middle-distance runner. During her junior career, she won a medal at the NSW All Schools Championships in the 1500 meters. She continued this success at the senior level, winning a medal at the UniSport National Championships in the 1500 meters in 2023, and last April she won a UniSport National bronze medal in the 800 meters."
The statement added: "Beyond her achievements on the track, Natasha was a much-loved member of our community. Her kindness and joy touched everyone fortunate enough to know her, and her charming smile and warm personality left a lasting impression on Australian athletics. Her enthusiasm and determination also inspired her training colleagues."
Ward competed in the 2024 Australian Athletics Championships and was active in summer and winter relay races with her club. Members of the Australian athletics community offered their condolences in the comments.
One person also shared an encounter he had with Ward just weeks before her death. He commented: "I'm still in shock. This lovely young woman did a great service for me and my son at the Nike store in Birkenhead just a few weeks ago. She was very knowledgeable, took the time to explain the differences between all the track running shoes, and helped us choose the right pair for my son in preparation for the upcoming athletics season."
He continued: "I will never forget the moment I was going down the escalator while she was going up on her way to her break. We exchanged smiles as we passed each other, and her warmth and kindness were unforgettable. She truly had a lovely presence."
According to her LinkedIn profile, Ward was studying exercise science and sports science at Macquarie University in Sydney.
Her death came after the death of Australian sprinter Gemma Stapleton, aged 25, in a motorcycle accident during a family holiday in Thailand.
