Former Olympic cyclist Daniela Larreal Chirinos dies at 50

Five-time Olympian Daniela Larreal Chirinos passed away at the age of 50.

Former Venezuelan Olympic cyclist Daniela Larreal Chirinos has tragically passed away at the age of 50 after choking on food in her Las Vegas apartment. Police discovered her body on Friday, August 16, after she was reported missing by colleagues when she failed to show up for work.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office is still determining the official cause of death as per reported by Fox News, but initial reports suggest asphyxiation due to food lodged in her trachea. The Venezuela Olympic Committee expressed their condolences, highlighting Chirinos' outstanding career and the pride she brought to her country through her participation in five Olympic Games.

Chirinos was a highly accomplished athlete, with her best Olympic placement being seventh in the Team Sprint final in London 2012. She also achieved gold medals in both the Pan American Games and the Pan American Championships. Her untimely death is a significant loss to the sporting world, and she will be remembered for her dedication and achievements in cycling.