Krupeckaitė’s competitor who sought psychological help was found dead

The loss was confirmed by the athlete’s family, and one of her friends said that O. Podmore had recently sought psychological help.

Before his death, he posted a message on a social network with a hint about the burden of responsibility imposed by professional sports.

Eddie Dawkins, a two-time Olympian in close relationships with his late, demanded responsibility from sporting leaders.

“It just came to our knowledge then. Olivia has always been the most positive person I know on the New Zealand track cycling team. But now I think those facing psychological pressure are more likely to hide it as well.

This won’t be the last time someone raises their hand against themselves. We need a concrete and positive change to help these people; now we only cover serious wounds with a truncheon.

We must take this very seriously: athletes must represent the entire country, they must be a source of pride for all. You are constantly monitored and this exercises people both physically and psychologically. And if you fail, if you are traumatized or have psychological difficulties, they just kick you out, “said the cyclist who has already finished his race.

The family of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore mourns her sudden death https://t.co/regp8nLRom pic.twitter.com/5IQklEf6fz

– Things (@NZStuff) August 9, 2021

In response, the New Zealand Cycling Federation announced a review of its psychological support policy for athletes.

Ms. Podmore did not participate in the Tokyo Games: although she had overcome qualification barriers, she did not make it to the national team by choosing other athletes.

But at the Olympics, the cyclist made her debut in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, where she competed with Simona Krupeckaitė in the Keirin and Sprint matches.

A year later, she became the New Zealand Keyrin Champion.

Before that, in 2015, O. Podmore won silver and bronze at the World Junior Championships.