The cyclist’s family confirmed her passing on Monday.
New Zealand sport is in shock after the sudden death of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore at the age of 24.
Podmore had competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2018 Commonwealth Games for her country and had been active on social media days before her death.
A cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
In a post on social media, her brother Mitchell wrote: “Rest in peace to my gorgeous sister and loved daughter of Phil Podmore. You will be in our hearts forever.”
Meanwhile, the governing body for sports cycling, the UCI, tweeted their condolences to her family.
The post read: “Words can’t express how saddened we are to hear of the sudden death of Rio 2016 Olympian, Olivia Podmore. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and @CyclingNZL. RIP.”
Words can’t express how saddened we are to hear of the sudden death of Rio 2016 Olympian, Olivia Podmore.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends and @CyclingNZL. RIP 🤍 pic.twitter.com/i1sKCI1CsM
— UCI Track Cycling (@UCI_Track) August 9, 2021
In a lengthy Facebook post, Cycling New Zealand described Podmore as a “much loved and respected rider in our Cycling New Zealand squad,” and encouraged people to “be kind to each other and take care of each other.”
https://www.facebook.com/112149808873482/posts/4257450081010080/?d=n
Podmore competed in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio after picking up silver and bronze medals in the junior world championships in Astana in 2015.
She then won the national keirin title in 2017, before competing at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in sprint, team sprint and keirin events.
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In a statement, the New Zealand Olympic Committee said:”We offer our deepest condolences to family, friends and others in the NZ community who are grieving this loss.
“Olivia represented New Zealand with honour and pride at both the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“She was a valued team member and her loss will be felt across the New Zealand Sporting Community.”
