Dabrowski made an incredible Paralympic debut at Paris 2024, winning a silver in sabre and bronze in the epee category B. He first appeared on the international stage in 2018 before winning the first of a career haul of 19 World Cup medals at home in Warsaw in 2021. He went on to win two bronze medals at the 2023 World Championships in Terni, Italy, and at the 2022 European Championships, again in Warsaw.

The Polish wheelchair fencer had been battling cancer for a year, including during his recent appearance at the Paralympics.

Pal Szekeres, Chair of the Para fencing Executive Committee, said: “Michal was a big fighter on the piste and a very sympathetic person in general. Unfortunately he lost the most important fight, but we celebrate those he did win to reach his incredible achievements and leave a legacy that will live on forever. “We mourn an important member of the Para fencing community and our condolences go to his friends, family and teammates for this huge loss.”

On a Facebook post announcing his passing, the Polish Paralympic Committee wrote:

“The achievements of Paralympic athletes are often decorated with adjectives that speak of heroism and overcoming all difficulties. Breaking ourselves down and the real struggle. What words to use in such a situation towards Michał?

“Lately he has fought not only on the board. Since November last year, he had to deal with a very insidious cancer.

“Against all odds, a little over two months ago, he took part in the Paralympics in Paris. And he got two medals! And yet this story has a different ending than we would like… “We bid farewell to you, Michal, saddened. In pain, we unite with family and loved ones. The Paralympic family lost one of their most remarkable sons today.”