Former Australian Olympic track star dies aged 39

SYDNEY: Australia’s track cycling fraternity was 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 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.