New Zealand In Mourning After Sudden Death Of Olympic Cyclist Aged 24

It's a sad, sad day for the cycling community.

Tributes have come flooding in for New Zealander Olivia Podmore, who suddenly passed away on Monday.

She was just 24 years of age.

PA

Starting out as a BMX rider at age 8, Podmore quickly became one of New Zealand's top cyclists which culminated in representing her country at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the women's team sprint event.

She was also 2017 national keirin champion.

But the cycling community has been rocked by the news of her sudden death, confirmed by her brother who posted an emotional message to his beloved sister.

"Rest in peace to my gorgeous sister and loved daughter of Phil Podmore. You will be in our hearts forever," Olivia's brother Mitchell said via Facebook.

Her cause of death still remains unknown, although it's understood it has been referred to a coroner.

Cycling New Zealand also confirmed the tragic news in a statement.

"Cycling New Zealand, our riders and staff, are deeply saddened with the loss of one of our young cyclists. Olivia was a much loved and respected rider in our Cycling New Zealand squad," the statement read.

"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 media respect the privacy of Olivia's family, friends and our riders."

The New Zealand Olympic Committee, who worked closely with Podmore throughout her career, paid their respects too.

The sport's national governing body said: "We offer our deepest condolences to family, friends and others in the NZ community who are grieving this loss.

"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."

Fans also flocked to social media to send their condolences.

Topics: New Zealand, olympics, Cycling, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry