New Zealand Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore has died at the age of 24, New Zealand reports.
Podmore participated in the 2016 Rio Games, the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and was her country champion Kirin in 2017.
“We at Cycling New Zealand are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our young rider Olivia Podmore,” said a social media post from CNZ.
“Olivia has been a loved and respected rider on the New Zealand cycling team and the broader cycling community.”
The post added: “Many people are understandably frustrated and trying hard to understand what happened. We have been and will continue to provide support to our employees, cyclists, the cycling community and those who have been close to Olivia.”
Expressions of honor poured into social media, including one from British cyclist Calum Skinner.
“Our sport, our movement lost another before its time. Rest in peace Olivia Podmore,” he wrote on Twitter.
Cyclist Lizzie Banks added: “The news of Olivia Podmore’s passing yesterday is truly devastating. I want to share it to raise awareness of the difficulties so many face.
“Remind to check in, to ask how it’s going and most of all to be kind. My heart goes out to the people closest to her. A very sad day cycling.”
UCI Track Cycling said: “Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of the untimely death of the 2016 Rio Olympics, Olivia Podmore.
“Our thoughts are with her family, friends and CyclingNZL. RIP.”
If you have mental health issues, call Samaritans on 116123, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
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