Rohan Dennis: Olympic cyclist’s shock ‘absolute weapon’ car post insensitive to how wife Melissa Hoskins died

Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis has sparked backlash after breaking his silence with a controversial social media post insensitive to the death of his wife.

Perth-born Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins died after being hit by a car Dennis was driving outside their Adelaide home during a heated argument on December 30, 2023.

Dennis walked free from court in May 2025 after pleading guilty to an aggravated charge of creating likelihood of harm, with a judge ruling he was not criminally responsible for her death.

In his first public posts since the tragedy, the 35-year-old shared images of a black Porsche 911 on Instagram, describing the car as an “absolute weapon” — a phrase that has drawn fierce criticism.

One person wrote: “Completely tone deaf.

“His second post back on social media after his wife’s death. No public statements or acknowledgement of his deceased wife.”

Another said: “What a disgusting thing to say.”

The post, made on Wednesday night, was also condemned by Victims’ Rights Commissioner Sarah Quick, who said the language showed a “profound lack of respect”.

“This is a deeply offensive comment that demonstrates a clear lack of insight into the real and lasting impact of the harm he has caused,” she said.

During his trial, the court was told that the couple had argued over kitchen renovations before Dennis drove off along a laneway beside their home.

Ms Hoskins climbed onto the bonnet of the car before falling and being run over.

The 32-year-old had critical injuries and died in Royal Adelaide Hospital.

The Olympic cyclist was laid to rest in Fremantle in January 2024, with sunflowers — her favourite bloom — placed on her coffin.