New Zealand cyclist Olivia Podmore is being remembered as a sister, a friend, a fighter and a “lovely person” today following her sudden death last night.
Former Olympic rower Eric Murray addressed media this afternoon as the Podmore family’s spokesperson, revealing he was a close friend of Podmore who had spent time with her over the weekend.
“My girlfriend and I spent the weekend with her and a friend in Queenstown,” Murray said.
“I was with her this time yesterday and I wish she had said something.”
Murray said Podmore’s death was a tragedy with wide-reaching reverberations.
“We have lost a sister, a friend, and a fighter who lost that will of fight inside of her.
“Olivia may have been the girl that you saw at the supermarket, at the gym, on the track, on TV.
“She was loved and will be sorely missed.”
Murray added Podmore’s death came at a time where the mental health of athletes was already an issue being addressed this year.
“We are seeing locally and around the world the implications of mental health in society and sport,” he said.
“High profile athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles have in recent months put the spotlight on mental health and high-performance sport.
“Liv’s fight was the same and we now have a statistic and that is one statistic too many.”
Sporting world in mourning
Podmore died last night having represented New Zealand at both the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2018 Commonwealth Games in the team sprint with Natasha Hansen.
Since the news of her death, tributes from near and far have poured in for the 24-year-old with Hansen one of the first to share her devastation.
"You have broken so many hearts today,” Hansen wrote on social media.
“We have been through many ups and downs together and shared in so many highs and lows... the last couple of years has been so great to reconnect on a deeper level but I am devastated that this has come to such a sudden end.
“I cannot fathom the pain your family and closest friends must be feeling right now, but I hope they are comforted by the fact that you are loved by so many and have touched so many hearts.
“They are in all our thoughts and prayers. Your beauty will be forever remembered.
“Rest peacefully gorgeous girl.”
The New Zealand Olympic team also posted to social media, saying in a statement they were “deeply saddened” by the loss of Olympian #1333.
“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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