Australian Paralympic bronze medallist Nicholas Hum dies, aged 32

Tributes are flowing after the shock death of Australian Paralympic bronze medallist Nicholas Hum.

Hum, who was married and had three children, died in Melbourne on the weekend at just 32 years of age.

Australian Athletics said Hum was one of the country’s most accomplished long jumpers for well over a decade.

He won his bronze medal in 2021 during the Tokyo Paralympics and still holds the Australian record in the long jump T20 at 7.39m.

“Australian Athletics, Paralympics Australia and the Victorian Institute of Sport are deeply saddened by the passing of Paralympic bronze medallist Nicholas Hum,” Australian Athletics said in a statement.

After a career that spanned over three Paralympic Games and five World Para Athletics Championships, Hum competed for Australia for the final time at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

“Nick was a much-loved member of our community and his loss is deeply felt,” Australian Athletics CEO Simon Hollingsworth said.

“He was respected not only for his commitment to his sport but for the way he showed up for those around him. Our hearts are with Nick’s family, friends and teammates and we stand with them in remembering a life that meant so much to so many.”

Paralympics Australia chief Cameron Murray said his organisation was in mourning and sent deepest condolences to Hum’s family “at this difficult time”.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are also with his teammates, his coaches and all those who had the privilege of sharing Nick’s journey and experiencing the positive impact he made,” Murray said.

“As Australian Paralympian 989, Nick will be remembered for far more than just medals and results. He was an outstanding Paralympian and a cherished member of our mob, and his loss will be felt across the Australian Paralympic Movement for a long time to come.”

Hum’s long-time coach was John Boas.

Victorian Institute of Sport CEO Nicole Livingstone AO called Hum “a remarkable person and an exceptional athlete”.

“(His) impact reached far beyond the track. During his years as a VIS athlete, he represented Australia with passion and pride,” Livingstone said

“He embodied those same values in everything he did as both an athlete and alumni as he transitioned from elite sport to skilled trade in his retirement. Our thoughts are with Nick’s family and friends as we remember him.”

Australian Athletics said it would continue to work closely with Hum’s family and others affected by his death to provide support.

Hum is survived by his wife Mairead and his three children William, Holly and Paige.

“On behalf of Nick’s family, we request that their privacy is respected as they grieve their loss.,” AA said.

“We also share that the presence of any person who has been touched by Nick personally or professionally is welcome to attend his funeral which is currently being arranged.”

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