Paralympic Long Jump Medallist Nicholas Hum Dies at 32

Australian para-athlete Nicholas Hum, a bronze medallist in long jump at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, has died at the age of 32.

Tokyo Paralympics Bronze Medallist

Hum secured bronze in the men’s T20 long jump at the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021 with a best effort of 7.12 metres. He later went on to set the Australian T20 long jump record with a leap of 7.39 metres.

Long International Career

Hum made his international debut at the IPC Athletics World Championships in 2011 and went on to represent Australia at three Paralympic Games and five World Para Athletics Championships. His final international appearance came at the Paris Paralympic Games last summer.

Tributes from Athletics Australia

In a statement, Australian Athletics said Hum, who died over the weekend in Melbourne, made a “lasting impact on team-mates and competitors, coaches and staff alike”.

“Nick was a valued and respected member of Australia’s athletics, high-performance and Paralympic communities,” the statement said.

Australian Athletics chief executive officer Simon Hollingsworth described Hum as a “much-loved member of our community”.

“He was respected not only for his commitment to his sport but for the way he showed up for those around him,” Hollingsworth added.

Cause of Death Not Disclosed

Australian Athletics confirmed that the cause of Hum’s death has not been made public.

Family Survived

Hum competed in the T20 classification for athletes with an intellectual impairment. He is survived by his wife Mairead and three children — William, Holly and Paige.