Olympic cyclist Podmore dies aged 24 just hours after worrying Instagram post
Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore has died at the age of 24 just hours after a worrying Instagram post about the "struggles" of elite sport.
Podmore, who represented New Zealand at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, was not selected to ride at the Tokyo Games this summer.
She did compete at the world championships last year, nevertheless, while also taking part in the women's sprint event in Rio five years ago.
Hours before her death, the Christchurch-born star detailed the highs and lows of sport in an Instagram post which has since been deleted, writing: "Sport is an amazing outlet for so many people, it’s a struggle, it’s a fight but it’s so joyous.
“The feeling when you win is unlike any other, but the feeling when you lose, when you don’t get selected even when you qualify, when [you're] injured, when you don’t meet society’s expectations such a owning a house, marriage, kids all because [you’re] trying to give everything to your sport is also unlike any other.”
Podmore's heartbroken brother Mitchell wrote on social media: "Rest in peace to my gorgeous sister and loved daughter of Phil Podmore.
“You will be in our hearts forever.”
Tributes have poured in for Podmore online, with Australian cycling legend Anna Meares posting on Twitter: "My heart breaks for the loss of a young life. Sorry you were in pain.
"Please reach out if you feel alone, are hurting, feel lost or helpless."
Cycling New Zealand also released a statement on Monday, saying: "Olivia was a much loved and respected rider in our Cycling New Zealand squad.
“At this time we are providing support to our staff and riders, the cycling community and those that were close to Olivia.
“Cycling New Zealand extend our deepest sympathies to Olivia’s family at this time and we ask that the media respect the privacy of Olivia’s family, friends and our riders.
“We offer our deepest condolences to family, friends and others in the NZ community who are grieving this loss.
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“We are providing wellbeing support for members of her team and the wider team as we return home from Tokyo.
“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.”
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