Australian Olympic track cycling champion Stephen Wooldridge is being remembered for his tireless contribution to the sport after his death at the age of 39.
Wooldridge won Olympic gold in the 4000m team pursuit at Athens in 2004, also claiming four world titles in the same discipline during the 2000s.
He was not part of the quartet of Graeme Brown, Brad McGee, Brett Lancaster and Luke Roberts who won the pursuit final in Athens.
But along with Peter Dawson, he was awarded a gold medal due to his participation in the preliminary round.
Cycling NSW confirmed the cyclist’s death in a statement.
“Stephen was an inspirational figure in track cycling, particularly in his home state of NSW,” the governing body said.
“Cycling NSW’s thoughts are with Stephen’s family and his friends during this difficult time.”
Australian Olympic champion Stephen Wooldridge dies at the age of 39. Find more here: https://t.co/LZSuS9b158#Wooldridge pic.twitter.com/NdCB4AeTqr
— Cycling Today (@CyclingTodayEn) August 15, 2017
Wooldridge, who also won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, is being remembered for his efforts in supporting young cyclists.
Cycling promoter Phil Bates said Wooldridge was Australia’s most successful track pursuit cyclist at the time of his retirement.
“In your lifetime, you give support, encouragement and the opportunity for young cyclists to reach their goal,” Bates wrote on cycling magazine Ride’s website.
“In our sport of cycling, you see some conquer with lesser effort than others. Then you witness those that continue to work harder and reach even greater heights.”
Wooldridge was inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions in 2015.
He sat on Cycling Australia’s board from 2007 to 2013
“Steve will be remembered by so many for not only his success in competition, but also for the contributions he made across so many roles in the sport,” CA chief executive Nick Green.
Australian cycling is mourning the death of Olympic gold medallist Stephen Wooldridge: https://t.co/lT5Cpv9Cu9 pic.twitter.com/ReEeldM21V
— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) August 15, 2017
An extremely sad day for Stephen’s family, friends, #AussieCycling and world track cycling: https://t.co/7dN52l1Wv9 Ask#RUOK? @CyclingAus
— Brendan Moriarty (@CyclingCoachEdu) August 15, 2017
???????? Please reach out! Olympic champion cyclist Stephen Wooldridge dies aged 39 – via @abcnews https://t.co/iJeluKaPxV pic.twitter.com/jgjA9vOZhI
— Shayne Mallard MP (@ShayneMallard) August 15, 2017
Tragic news in the cycling world: Australian Olympic gold medallist Stephen Wooldridge dies at the age of 39 #RIP https://t.co/lT5Cpv9Cu9
— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) August 15, 2017
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