Olympic champion Anna Meares has shared her heartache over the death of her friend, world champion cyclist Melissa Hoskins after she was allegedly struck by a car driven by her husband.
Ms Hoskins, 32, was allegedly struck by a vehicle in Adelaide’s inner-north on Sunday, December 31. She was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital suffering serious injuries, and died hours later.
South Australian Police have charged her husband, Rohan Dennis, and allege he was behind the wheel of a ute that hit the mother of two.
Retired track cyclist, Anna Meares who has also been appointed chef de mission of the Australian Olympic Team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, posted a condolence message on her social media channels.
“I have a very heavy heart,” Ms Meares said in a post to X.
“My thoughts are with their children, family and fellow friends.
“This is a very difficult and tragic time. RIP”
A host of sporting organisations and fellow cyclists also paid tribute following Ms Hoskins’ tragic death.
Among them is the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), which Ms Hoskins represented at the 2012 and 2016 Games.
“The AOC has expressed the utmost sadness at the loss of Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins after the tragic events in Adelaide,” it said in a post on X.
“Our condolences go to Melissa’s family, friends and the cycling community at this extremely difficult time.”
Originally hailing from Perth, Ms Hoskins married Mr Dennis in 2018. The couple have two children.
She was a member of the Australian track cycling team pursuit team that finished in fourth place at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Aside from her Olympic achievements, Ms Hoskins won gold in the women’s team pursuit at the 2015 world championships. She retired from professional cycling in 2017.
Mr Dennis was a podium finisher at the 2013 and 2020 Olympics, a two-time world champion and a stage-winner in the 2015 Tour de France.
He only retired from professional cycling at the end of 2023.
Mr Dennis has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life.
He was released on bail to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court again in March.