A five-time Olympic cyclist has sadly passed away at the age of 50. Reports confirm that Daniela Larreal Chirinos was found dead in her Las Vegas home on August 16.
Authorities discovered her lifeless body after she had been reported missing earlier that week. It is believed that she may have passed away on August 11, with the cause of death later determined as asphyxiation due to food blocking her airway.
Daniela Larreal Chirinos was a well-known athlete from Venezuela. She competed in five straight Olympic Games, starting with Barcelona 1992 and ending with London 2012. Her career lasted over two decades, making her a key figure in Venezuelan sports.
In addition to her Olympic appearances, she found success at the Pan American Games. She won multiple medals, including a silver in 1990, two golds and a silver in 2002, and two more silver medals in 2003.
At the time of her passing, Chirinos was living in Las Vegas, where she worked at a hotel. She had built a life beyond cycling, though her impact on the sport remained strong.
Last week, she was reported missing, prompting authorities to search for her. Her body was later found at her home, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search.
According to FOX, the cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation due to solid food getting stuck in her throat. Her passing was both unexpected and tragic.
The news shocked the cycling community, with many expressing their grief and remembering her contributions to the sport. The Venezuelan Cycling Federation honored her with a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“Rest in peace, Daniela 🦊🙏🏻. The board of directors of the Venezuelan Cycling Federation, chaired by Eliezer Rojas, joins the mourning that overwhelms Venezuelan cycling due to the loss of Daniela Larreal. Daniela was a key figure in national cycling, representing Venezuela in five Olympic Games. She earned three diplomas for the country and won several medals in national and international events. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends.”
Daniela Larreal Chirinos leaves behind a legacy in sports. Her impact on cycling and Venezuelan athletics will not be forgotten.