Olivia Podmore: Coronial inquest begins three years after Olympian's sudden death

On August 9 2021, the day after the Tokyo Olympics ended, cyclist Olivia Podmore died in a suspected suicide.

Podmore had represented New Zealand in the 2016 Olympics, but was not selected five years later.

Her death sparked shock throughout the close knit cycling community and wider sporting network, and the culture at Cycling NZ was eventually investigated.

Now, over three years later, a coronial inquiry into Podmore’s death is due to begin today.

NZ Herald reporter Tom Dillane has been covering the story for the last three years, and joins us today on The Front Page to discuss Olivia Podmore’s life, career, and her tragic death. 

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Sound Engineer/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Ethan Sills

Suicide and depression help services:

If it is an emergency and you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

For counselling and support:

• Lifeline: http://www.lifeline.co.nz, call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline, or call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Youth services:

• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
• What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
• Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call 0800 000 053

For more information and support, talk to your local doctor, hauora, community mental health team, or counselling service.

The Mental Health Foundation has more helplines and service contacts - click here for information

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