New Zealand Olympic Cyclist Olivia Podmore has passed away at the age of 24. She competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics. The cause of Olivia’s death has still not been revealed. A New Zealand police spokesperson said, “police attended a sudden death at a Cambridge property”.
Olivia’s brother, Mitchell Podmore confirmed the news on Facebook. He wrote, “Rest in peace to my gorgeous sister and loved daughter of Phil Podmore….You will be in our hearts forever.” Cycling New Zealand mentioned her on Facebook as a “much loved and respected rider.”
The New Zealand Olympic Committee shared a statement, “The New Zealand Olympic Committee is deeply saddened by the loss of Olympian #1333, Olivia Podmore. ” The organization also 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 was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. She became a top competitor in her sport at a young age. She won the silver medal in 2015. Olivia participated at the 2016 Rio Games and placed 23rd and ninth in the first two events. Then she suffered a crash in the third. However, Olivia did not compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.