Remembering Melissa Hoskins: Celebrating the Indomitable Spirit of an Olympic Cyclist
The family mourns the tragic loss of Olympic cyclist and world champion Melissa Hoskins, celebrating her free-spirited nature and compassionate heart Perth prepares to bid farewell in a solemn funeral ceremony
The family of the late Melissa Hoskins, a former world champion Olympic track cyclist, remembered her as a spirited individual with a kind heart after her tragic death at the age of 32 following a car accident. According to reports from Australias national broadcaster ABC and other local media outlets, Hoskins' husband Rohan Dennis, a two-time world time trial champion and a Tour de France stage winner, has been arrested and charged with causing her death by dangerous driving.
In a statement released by Australia Cycling on Tuesday, Melissa's parents and sister expressed their profound grief and sadness at her passing. They described her as a loving and free-spirited individual with a generous and patient nature, who brought joy and zest to life for her children and those around her.
"She was the pillar of their lives and ours, and it is important to pay tribute to her memory so that they can grow up with a clear understanding of who she was, what she believed in, and the impact she had on everyone she touched." After receiving tributes from the cycling community, the family of Hoskins expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of sadness and support.
"They said that in her short life, Melissa has had numerous positive experiences both domestically and internationally. Hoskins achieved great success as a track cyclist, winning a world championship and setting a world record in 2015 as a member of Australia's women's team pursuit quartet."
She competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games in the same event, missing out on a medal by just 0.181 seconds at the 2012 London Games, before retiring in May 2017.
Melissa Hoskins was part of Australia's women's team pursuit quartet for two Olympics.
Joe Giddens/PA Wire/AP
Funeral in Perth
South Australian Police has appealed for anyone with information about Hoskins death to contact them.
A 32-year-old woman named Hoskins died in Adelaide, Australia after being struck by a car driven by a man known as Dennis, according to local media. The woman sustained serious injuries and passed away in the hospital, as confirmed by a police statement released on Sunday.
The 33-year-old man arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving was granted bail before his court appearance on March 13. According to a police spokesperson, the department's policy is to not confirm the names of those accused in incidents.
The Hoskins family announced that they will be holding a funeral in their hometown of Perth and a memorial service in Adelaide following the Tour Down Under, an Australian cycling race. They have requested privacy as they mourn and have stated that they will not be making any additional comments.
