Olympic cycling star Daniela Larreal Chirinos found dead in her Las Vegas apartment

Matt Shrivell
The Nightly
Daniela Larreal of Venezuela after winning the gold medal in women's sprint at the X South American Games Santiago 2014.
Daniela Larreal of Venezuela after winning the gold medal in women's sprint at the X South American Games Santiago 2014. Credit: Getty

The sporting world is in shock after a much-lovedcycling Olympian was found dead in her Las Vegas apartment.

Five-time Olympic track cyclist, Daniela Larreal Chirinos, 50, was discovered after concerned workmates contacted authorities and had reportedly choked to death on food.

The Venezuelan Olympian failed to show up at the hotel where she worked and emergency services assessed she had been dead since Aug. 11, with her colleagues contacting authorities the following day.

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According to sources close to the investigation, Larreal, 50, died from asphyxiation. The post-mortem reportedly found solid food remnants in her windpipe, suggesting she’d choked to death. However, the cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed by police.

Daniela Larreal of Venezuela, left, competes with Juliana Gaviria of Colombia during the women's sprint final event at the X South American Games Santiago 2014.
Daniela Larreal of Venezuela, left, competes with Juliana Gaviria of Colombia during the women's sprint final event at the X South American Games Santiago 2014. Credit: Miguel Tovar/LatinContent via Getty Images

Larreal was one of Venezuela’s most distinguished qthletes. She competed in five Olympic Games - Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and London 2012 and was awarded four diplomas in track cycling.

Chairman of the Venezuelan Cycling Federation Eliezer Rojas said Larreal was “not only a champion in cycling but a symbol of perseverance, dedication and passion”.

“With a career full of success, she inspired generations of cyclists and left a mark on every competition she participated in. Her legacy will endure in the history of Venezuelan cycling and her memory will live on in every pedal strike we take in her honour.”

“Her unexpected departure leaves an irreparable void in the hearts of all of us who had the honour of knowing her and following her career.”

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