Tragedy as Olympian cyclist dies suddenly aged 24 and just days after she made a chilling Instagram post about the pressures of competing at the highest level
New Zealand's cycling community has been rocked by the sudden death of 2016 Olympian Olivia Podmore.
Her family confirmed the cyclist's shock death on Monday via social media.
'Rest in peace to my gorgeous sister and loved daughter of Phil Podmore. You will be in our hearts forever,' her brother Mitchell wrote.
Her death was confirmed hours after Podmore outlined the pressures of competing at the highest level in a chilling final Instagram post, which was later deleted.
'Sport is an amazing outlet for so many people, it's a struggle, it's a fight but it's so joyous,' she wrote.
'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 your 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.'
If you or anyone you know is in need of mental health support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, for free confidential support.
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