Rising track-and-field star Natasha Ward dead at 21

Natasha Ward, a rising Australian track-and-field athlete, died at the age of 21, the New South Wales Athletics and the Sutherland District Athletics Club said in a joint statement on Thursday.A cause of death was not publicly disclosed for Ward as of Monday.

“Natasha was a celebrated middle-distance runner,” the statement began.“As a junior, she medalled at NSW All Schools over 1500m.

She carried that success into her senior career, medalling at UniSport Nationals over 1500m in 2023, and this April, claiming UniSport National Bronze in the 800m.“Beyond her achievements on the track, Natasha was a greatly loved member of our community.Her kindness and joy touched everyone fortunate enough to know her, and her magnetic smile and warm personality have left a permanent mark on Australian athletics.

Natasha’s enthusiasm and determination inspired her training partners.”Ward, who competed at the 2024 Australian Championships, was active in both summer and winter relays for the club.The Australian athletics community sent their condolences in the comments.Someone shared an encounter they had with Ward a few weeks before her death.“I’m still in shock,” their comment read.

“This beautiful young woman served my son and I at Nike Birkenhead only a few weeks ago.She was incredibly knowledgeable, taking the time to explain the differences between all the track running shoes and helping us find the right pair for my son’s upcoming athletics season.“I’ll never forget coming down the escalator as she was heading up for her break.

We smiled at each other as we passed, and her warmth and kindness were unforgettable.She truly had the most beautiful presence.”Ward was enrolled at Sydney’s Macquarie University, where she studied exercise and sports science, according to her LinkedIn.Her death came after Australian sprinter Jemma Stapleton died at age 25 in a motorbike accident during a family holiday in Thailand....