Share

Former Oz Olympic track star dies aged 39

Sydney - Australia's track cycling fraternity was on Tuesday mourning the sudden death of former Olympic and world champion Stephen Wooldridge, aged just 39. 

The former star team pursuiter, from New South Wales state, won gold for Australia in the 2004 Athens Olympics, was also a four-time world champion in the discipline and the 2002 Commonwealth Games champion. 

"Stephen was an exceptional cyclist and Olympic Champion who will forever be remembered," said Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates in a statement on Tuesday. 

"He was always very giving of his time to the Olympic movement, helping out with fundraising efforts whenever he could for the Australian Olympic Team over the years."

Cycling NSW said it was "deeply saddened" by the news, adding: "Stephen was an inspirational figure in track cycling, particularly in his home state of NSW." 

There were no further details about when and how Wooldridge died. 

One of the cyclist's good friends and mentors, Phil Bates, penned an emotional tribute to the Olympic champion after receiving the news. 

"His infectious smile, gentleman attitude on and off the bike made him a very special person," Bates wrote in a letter published on the website of RIDE Cycling Review magazine.

"We are better for knowing him and worse off for losing him." 

Australian track cycling legend Anna Meares wrote on Twitter that she was "terribly sad" to hear of Wooldridge's death. 

Bates said Wooldridge had left behind a son and daughter and other family members.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE