Track cyclist and Olympian, Olivia Podmore has died.

The Christchurch based cyclist rode in the women’s team sprint event at the 2016 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.

Olivia also competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

In a heartbreaking post on Facebook, her brother Mitchell Podmore confirmed the devastating news. “Rest in peace to my gorgeous sister and loved daughter of Phil Podmore. You will be in our hearts forever.’’

This year, Olivia missed qualifying for the team sprint at the Olympics, following several health conditions.

In a social media post, which concerned family and friends, the 24-year-old wrote about the stress of competing in the high performance sport.

“Sport is an amazing outlet for so many people. It’s a struggle, it’s a fight but it’s so joyous.”

In a Facebook post in April Olivia wrote “ the cardiologist assured me was nothing to worry about but I needed a break.”

“Soon after I realised my hormones were unbalanced being off birth control for a while- after getting checked out I was diagnosed with PCOS and Endometriosis leading me to have surgery the following week where they took a bunch of the cysts ect out.”

Podmore also wrote about her mental health.

“My mental health has taken a toll through all especially with another breakup through this time and past demons have come back to haunt me over the last 6 months but I’m working through this.”

Cycling New Zealand issues 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.

 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.

HELPLINES

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

Healthline – 0800 611 116

Samaritans – 0800 726 666

Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).

www.depression.org.nz – includes The Journal online help service.

SPARX.org.nz – online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed.

Sexuality or gender identity helpline

OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support.

Helplines for children and young people

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected] or online chat.

thelowdown.co.nz – or email [email protected] or free text 5626.

What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 12noon–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available from 3pm–10pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays.

Help for parents, family and friends

EDANZ – improving outcomes for people with eating disorders and their families. Freephone 0800 2 EDANZ or 0800 233 269, or in Auckland 09 522 2679. Or email [email protected].

Parent Help – 0800 568 856 for parents/whānau seeking support, advice and practical strategies on all parenting concerns. Anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.

Family Services 211 Helpline – 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.

Skylight – 0800 299 100 for support through trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.

Yellow Brick Road – Supporting families towards mental wellbeing.

Other specialist helplines

Alcohol and Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797 or online chat.

Are You OK – 0800 456 450 family violence helpline.

Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 655

Anxiety NZ – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY).

Rape Crisis – 0800 883 300 (for support after rape or sexual assault).