Tragedy for Australia

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
May 27, 2002
Messages
10,990
Location
Canberra ACT Australia
In voices cracking with emotion, Australian cyclists have paid tribute to their lost riding mate Amy Gillett, as hundreds of people gathered at a memorial service in Germany.

Dressed in their riding gear, top Australian cyclists spoke of their grief at Gillett's death in a training accident that left five of her teammates injured - two critically.

Mourners gathered in the town square of Zeulenroda, near Leipzig in eastern Germany, not far from where an out-of- control car ploughed into the six Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) riders on Monday.

The crash forced the postponement of the Tour of Thuringen, and many competitors in the race attended the emotional service, held overnight Australian time.

"I know that she would be smiling to know ... how much she's really loved," top Australian cyclist Kate Bates said of Gillett, in a tribute translated into German for the hundreds attending.

"To lose her is, is, extremely hard," fellow Australian rider Olivia Goltan added, her voice breaking with emotion.

Five Australian riders addressed the service, embracing each other for support and laying wreaths in Gillett's memory.

A lone saxophonist played Amazing Grace and those who gathered paused for a moment's silence.

The service came as two of the survivors - Alexis Rhodes, of Kersbrook in South Australia, and Louise Yaxley, of Penguin in Tasmania - fought for their lives in hospital.

They remain in critical condition - Rhodes with multiple thoracic fractures, internal injuries and extensive abrasions, and Yaxley with serious arm and leg trauma.

The other three - Kate Nichols and Katie Brown, both from Sydney, and Lorian Graham, from Brisbane - are in a stable condition.

The five are expected to be reunited today when Graham is moved to the University Clinic in Jena, south of Leipzig, where the other four are being treated.

Some of the riders remain unaware of the death of Adelaide-born Gillett - who rowed for Australia at the Atlanta Olympics and was considered a medal contender in road cycling at next year's Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

As tributes continued to pour in for Gillett, Australian riders in the Tour de France wore black armbands in Tuesday's stage to honour their colleague.

Australia's ambassador to Germany, Pamela Fayle, was among those who attended the memorial service in Zeulenroda.

A statement was read to mourners on behalf of Cycling Australia which praised Gillett as "our friend, our teammate and a member of our cycling family".

"Amy was an amazing woman, a role model not just for athletes but for everyone who aspires to be happy and successful in life," the statement said.

"Her honesty and loyalty made her an invaluable teammate and her friendship was treasured by all who knew her.

"Her bright, bubbly, joyous personality and that trademark Amy smile are irreplaceable."

"Farewell Amy - may all your rides be in fair weather and calm winds and may all your races be victories - rest in peace."

Cycling Australia's representative in Germany, Shane Bannon, said Gillett was much loved in the cycling community and had been a unifying presence in the Australian women's team.

"She was just a remarkable person, just a lovely person that everybody adored and admired ... a person that got on with everybody and really enjoyed the social aspect of sport as well," Mr Bannon told ABC Radio.

"We talk about Amy the athlete but it's Amy the person that we will sadly miss."

Mr Bannon also commended the strength of national women's cycling coach Warren McDonald, who saw the crash from a team escort car.

"Warren is being very strong for his athletes," he said.

"You can imagine the type of scene he came up against, and it's certainly something that he'll remember for the rest of his life, but he's being very strong for his athletes."

Relatives of the injured are expected to begin arriving at the Jena hospital today.

The accident has virtually wiped out the AIS women's road cycling program, which has now been suspended.

The crash happened on a bend in the road as the group were cycling downhill just outside Zeulenroda.

They had been preparing for the Tour of Thuringen race, which is expected to start today.

The 18-year-old female driver of the runaway car, who had only just been given her licence, is also in a serious condition.

She faces charges of negligent driving resulting in death and injury.
 
That's really sad. It seems to me that most people don't realize how dangerous cycling can be. Of course there's the danger from cars, but also a fall at speed in the middle of a pack of riders can be devastating. Best wishes to Ms. Gillett and her friends and family.
 
Oh, that's sad.

When we get behind the wheel we are assuming control of a deadly weapon. Often we take it too lightly; emotions, rage, phones, coffee, work, incompetence interfere. Lets all be careful at the wheel!
 
Oh man...
frown.gif
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top