26 Apr 2025

Olivia Podmore's parents on the inquest

From Saturday Morning, 7:19 am on 26 April 2025
Composite of Olivia Podmore and cyclists

Photo: Dianne Manson / Composite RNZ

This week saw the the final few days of the coronial inquest into the death of olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore.

Six months of harrowing evidence revealed the enormous pressure she was under after unwittingly exposing an affair between a coach and another athlete.

Olivia died in a suspected suicide in 2021, one day after the Tokyo Olympics ended - which she wasn't selected for.

A subsequent investigation into Cycling New Zealand revealed bullying and a lack of accountability.

Olivia's Mum Nienke and her step dad Chris Middleton spoke to Susie Ferguson from their Christchurch home.

The second part of Olivia Podmore inquest is being held in Christchurch this week.

The second part of Olivia Podmore inquest is being held in Christchurch this week. Photo: NZME/George Heard

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