MELBOURNE, Australia — The Australian sporting community is mourning the sudden loss of Nicholas Hum, a Paralympic bronze medallist and one of the nation’s most respected para-athletes, who died over the weekend in Melbourne at the age of 32. His family confirmed his passing and has asked for privacy as they grieve. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
Hum’s death comes just weeks after he announced his retirement from elite competition, bringing an abrupt and heartbreaking close to a distinguished international career that spanned more than a decade. His passing has sent shockwaves through the athletics world, with tributes pouring in from teammates, coaches, officials, and fans across Australia and beyond.
Widely admired for his dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship, Nicholas Hum built a remarkable legacy as a long jumper in the T20 classification. He was known not only for his success on the track but also for his influence off it, where he emerged as a passionate advocate for para-athletics and a role model for aspiring athletes.
Hum’s most celebrated achievement came at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, held in 2021, where he captured a bronze medal in the men’s long jump T20 event. The podium finish marked a defining moment in his career and cemented his status among Australia’s elite Paralympic competitors. Over the course of his career, Hum represented Australia at three Paralympic Games, a testament to his consistency, longevity, and commitment at the highest level of sport.
His final Paralympic appearance came at the Paris 2024 Games, where he competed with the same determination and professionalism that had characterized his journey from the beginning. Even in his later years of competition, Hum remained a formidable presence, respected by competitors and officials alike.
At the national level, Hum set an enduring benchmark in his event, holding the Australian record in the T20 long jump with a distance of 7.39 meters. The performance underscored his technical excellence, power, and attention to detail—qualities that defined him as an athlete. Internationally, he made his debut in 2011 and went on to compete at five World Para Athletics Championships, proudly wearing the green and gold and contributing to Australia’s strong standing in global para-sport.
In November 2024, Hum announced his retirement from competitive athletics, signaling a transition toward family life and new opportunities beyond elite sport. Although brief, that period was seen by many as the beginning of a new chapter—one now tragically cut short.
Since news of his death emerged, tributes have flowed in from across the Australian athletics and Paralympic communities. Colleagues and sporting bodies have described Hum as a “much-loved member” of the para-athletics family and an “exceptional athlete” whose humility matched his talent. Many have also spoken of his kindness, leadership, and willingness to mentor younger athletes as they navigated their own journeys in sport.
Nicholas Hum is survived by his wife, Mairead, and their three children, William, Holly, and Paige. As the nation reflects on his life and legacy, Hum is remembered not only for medals, records, and international appearances, but for the inspiration he provided through perseverance, excellence, and heart.
His impact on Australian para-sport will endure, carried forward by the athletes he inspired and the community he helped strengthen.