The sports world is mourning the loss of Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a five-time Olympic cyclist from Venezuela, who tragically passed away at the age of 51. Larreal, who competed in the Olympic speed cycling competition for over two decades, was found deceased in her Las Vegas home on Friday, August 16, after reportedly choking on her food.
Las Vegas police were called to Chirinos’ residence after concerned coworkers reported that she had not shown up for work at the hotel where she was employed since August 12. Upon entering her home, authorities discovered Chirinos’ lifeless body.
According to Fox Sports, the cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation, caused by solid food remains lodged in her trachea. While the Clark County Office of the Coroner has not yet formally disclosed the cause and manner of death, it is believed that Chirinos passed away on August 11.
A Stellar Cycling Career
Daniela Larreal Chirinos was a celebrated figure in Venezuelan sports, known for her outstanding achievements in cycling. She represented Venezuela in five consecutive Summer Olympics, beginning with the 1992 Barcelona Games and concluding with the 2012 London Games. Her most notable Olympic performance came in 2012 when she finished eighth in the team sprint finals.
Beyond the Olympics, Chirinos had an illustrious career in international competitions. She won gold medals twice in both the Pan American Games and the Pan American Championships, along with four silver medals in the Pan American Games. Additionally, she secured three gold medals and one silver at the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El Salvador.
