British Wheelchair Basketball announced the news on its website and paid tribute to the multi-talented, award-winning athlete, who had been battling cancer.

Cichockyj represented Great Britain in wheelchair racing at the 1984 Summer Paralympics in Stoke Mandeville and in wheelchair basketball at the 1988 and 1996 Games in Seoul and Barcelona respectively. 

She claimed medals in wheelchair racing at the European Championships, won the London Marathon in 1989 and the Great North Run in 1987, and held the 5,000 metres world record, as well as numerous British track records.

Her wheelchair basketball career saw her captain the national team from 1989 to 1992, and secure bronze medals at the European Championships in 1995 and 1997.

She also played wheelchair tennis and table tennis at international level.

Following her competitive career Cichockyj became a British Wheelchair Basketball Board member and was head coach of the North West Regional Performance Centre, regional coach for The Lord's Taverners National Junior Championships and the junior coach of the Manchester Mavericks.

Among other awards, she received the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association Personality of the Year crown in 1989.

"Josie had an inspirational career for Great Britain and turned her passion for playing to coaching where she inspired and developed people to reach their potential," British Wheelchair Basketball chief executive Charlie Bethel said.

"Her contribution, lively personality and contribution will be sadly missed.

"My condolences and those of the staff go to Sandra, her family, and Manchester Mavericks."

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