Medal-winning Paralympics star Nicholas Hum is being remembered as a ‘much-loved’ member of the Australian athletics community after dying aged just 32.
His death was announced by Australian Athletics (AA) on Tuesday morning.
‘Australian Athletics, Paralympics Australia and the Victorian Institute of Sport are deeply saddened by the passing of Paralympic bronze medallist Nicholas Hum,’ the statement read.
‘Nick passed away in Melbourne over the weekend. He was 32 years old.
‘Nick was one of Australia’s most accomplished long jumpers for well over a decade, but his career was defined by more than just his accolades which include Paralympic bronze.
‘Making his international debut at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch and competing for the final time at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, Nick’s career spanned three Paralympic Games and five World Para Athletics Championships.
Paralympian Nicholas Hum (pictured) died in Melbourne last weekend at the age of 32
Hum (pictured with fellow Aussie Paralympian Kelly Cartwright) represented Australia at three Paralympic Games
The beloved long jumper still holds the Australian record in his event
‘Under the guidance of his long time coach John Boas, Nick also still holds the Australian record in the Long Jump T20 at 7.39m.’
AA CEO Simon Hollingsworth paid tribute to Hum – who had an intellectual disability and competed in the T20 class – and sent a message of support to his family.
‘Nick was a much-loved member of our community and his loss is deeply felt,’ 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.’
Hum, who leaves behind his children William, Holly and Paige, retired from competition in October last year.
‘I am ready to move on, I have a young family which I was missing out on a lot,’ he said.
‘I felt like I had reached the pinnacle of everything in my athletic career when I weighed up my family and my work.’
Hum is pictured after winning bronze at the Tokyo Paralympics
Hum founded the Melbourne-based business Peninsula Joinery Specialists, creating custom cabinets, wardrobes and kitchens.
He was competing at the Tokyo Games, where he won bronze, when his daughter Holly was born.
‘Beautiful Holly, welcome to the world, Daddy was just representing Australia,’ he told reporters after getting his medal.
‘My career helped me grow as a person. Obviously getting a medal is what you want to do, but I grew from just being in the sport which I am very grateful for,’ Hum said as he announced his retirement.
‘I realised in Paris that my competitors were training full-time.
‘I was really proud of being able to manage all the things like work and family and still come sixth.
‘I beat guys on the day because of my mindset. Having a strong mindset is really important for people that have an intellectual disability, because it can be really tricky.’
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