Former teammate and fellow Olympians pay tribute to Olivia Podmore after 24-year-old's shock death

Olivia Podmore celebrates winning the women's sprint final at last year's National Track Cycling Championships. Photo / Getty

A number of Kiwi Olympians have paid tribute to Olivia Podmore on social media, as the New Zealand sporting community grapples with the shock loss of the 24-year-old.

Podmore, who represented New Zealand at the 2016 Rio Olympics, died suddenly on Monday.

Her former teammate Natasha Hansen took to Facebook to share her heartbreak.

"Liv, I'm devastated to have to be writing this. You have broken so many hearts today," she wrote in the post. "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. Olivia Podmore OLY #1333"

Liv, I’m devastated to have to be writing this. You have broken so many hearts today 💔💔💔 We have been through many ups...

Posted by Natasha Hansen on Monday, August 9, 2021

High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) released a statement saying it is "deeply saddened" by Podmore's death and a "significant amount of work" is being done to support returning Tokyo 2020 Olympic athletes who knew Podmore as they enter MIQ.

"We are very conscious that many of the current New Zealand Olympic athletes and other team members, who knew Olivia, are currently returning to MIQ," HPSNZ said.

"A significant amount of work has been done in advance to ensure the team have the support they need for their physical and mental wellbeing in MIQ, and this work will be ongoing for the duration of their stay.

"HPSNZ is deeply saddened by the death of 2016 Olympian Olivia Podmore, and our thoughts are with her family during this very difficult time."

A number of Kiwi Olympians such as Dame Valerie Adams, Tyla Nathan-Wong and Olivia Chance commented on the NZ Team's Instagram post with black hearts, prayer hands and fern emojis.

Olympic runner Angie Petty commented, "Absolutely heartbreaking. Sending love to her family," while Commonwealth Games hammer throw champion Julia Ratcliffe wrote, "hope you've found some peace Liv, moe mai ra".

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The New Zealand Team (@thenzteam)

Australian cycling legend Anna Meares was among members of the international cycling community to pay their respects.

My heart breaks 💔 for the lose of a young life. Sorry you were in pain. #RIP @livpodmore #NZcycling #Olympian Please reach out if you feel alone, are hurting, feel lost or helpless.

— Anna Meares (@AnnaMeares) August 9, 2021

Podmore won silver in the team sprint and bronze in the time trial at the Junior World Champs in Astana in 2015. She was also the 2017 national keirin champion.

In an Instagram post earlier on Monday - since removed - Podmore outlined pressures of competing at the highest level.

Mitchell Podmore, brother of Olivia, posted on Facebook: "Rest in peace to my gorgeous sister and loved daughter of Phil Podmore. You will be in our hearts forever."

In a statement on Monday evening, Cycling New Zealand said its 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.
"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."