Former Olympian Daniela Larreal Chirinos was discovered dead at the age of 50 in her Las Vegas home. Authorities later revealed that her passing was caused by an unexpected and tragic circumstance.
The world of sports was rocked this weekend by the tragic news of the death of Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a five-time Venezuelan Olympic cyclist. On Friday, August 16, 2024, Las Vegas police discovered the lifeless body of the 50-year-old athlete in her apartment after she had been reported missing earlier in the week.
Daniela Larreal of Venezuela reacts after winning the gold medal in women’s sprint as part of day five of the X South American Games Santiago 2014 at Penalolen Velodrome on March 11, 2014 in Santiago, Chile | Source: Getty Images
It was later determined that the cause of her death was asphyxiation, resulting from solid food remains found lodged in her trachea. Authorities believe she passed away on Sunday, August 11.
Chirinos was a pioneering figure in Venezuelan athletics, with a career spanning two decades and marked by her participation in five Olympic Games.
She took part in the track cycling sprint event at the Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and London 2012 Olympic Games, and became widely admired for her dedication and skill.
Beyond the Olympics, the athlete also made her mark on other international stages. She was very successful in the Pan American Games, winning a silver medal in 1990, two gold and a silver medal in 2002, and two more silver medals in 2003.
Daniela Larreal of Venezuela winning the gold medal poses on the podium after the women’s final at the Pan American Games Pan American in the Velodrome on October 20, 2011 in Guadalajara, Mexico Keirin | Source: Getty Images
Aside from her sporting achievements, Chirinos was also academically accomplished and held a degree in Physical Education. Her influence extended into the political realm as well, where she was involved in various political parties in Venezuela before eventually moving to the United States.
At the time of her death, she was living in Las Vegas and working at a hotel.
The news of Chirinos’s death sent shockwaves through the cycling community. The Venezuelan Cycling Federation paid tribute to her on Instagram. The translated message stated:
“Rest in peace, Daniela 🕊️🙏🏻. The board of directors of the Venezuelan Cycling Federation, chaired by Eliezer Rojas @eliezerojas, joins the mourning that overwhelms Venezuelan cycling due to the physical departure of Daniela Larreal. Daniela was a prominent figure in national cycling, representing Venezuela in five Olympic Games, and obtaining three diplomas for the country, including several medals in national and international events. Our most sincere condolences to her family and friends.”
The federation further honored her in the official press statement, calling her “not just a cycling champion but a symbol of perseverance, dedication, and passion for the sport.”
Chirinos’s unexpected and tragic passing is a profound loss. Her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport will continue to inspire current cyclists, like Kristen Faulkner, and future generations alike.
