Australian Olympic track cycling champion Stephen Wooldridge is being remembered for his tireless contribution to the sport after taking his own life at the age of 39.
Wooldridge won Olympic gold in the 4000m team pursuit at Athens in 2004, also claiming four world titles in the same discipline during the 2000s.
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Olympian Stephen Wooldridge dies at 39
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The four-time cycling world champion and Olympic gold medalist has been remembered as a 'very special person'.
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Olympian Stephen Wooldridge dies at 39
The four-time cycling world champion and Olympic gold medalist has been remembered as a 'very special person'.
He was not part of the quartet of Graeme Brown, Brad McGee, Brett Lancaster and Luke Roberts who won the pursuit final in Athens.
But along with Peter Dawson, he was awarded a gold medal due to his participation in the preliminary round.
"Stephen was an exceptional cyclist and Olympic Champion who will forever be remembered," said AOC President John Coates.
"He was always very giving of his time to the Olympic movement, helping out with fundraising efforts whenever he could for the Australian Olympic Team over the years.
"Our deepest condolences are with his family, friends and all of those impacted by Stephen's passing."
Cycling NSW confirmed the cyclist's death in a statement.
"Stephen was an inspirational figure in track cycling, particularly in his home state of NSW," the governing body said.
"Cycling NSW's thoughts are with Stephen's family and his friends during this difficult time."
Wooldridge, who also won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, is being remembered for his efforts in supporting young cyclists.
Veteran cycling journalist Rupert Guinness said Wooldridge was one of the nicest people he had met when covering the sport.
"He was a champion cyclist but I always thought of him is a champion person and that's about a guy who won four world titles and an Olympic gold medal," said Guinness.
"I really got to know Steve better in his years after his career when I would see him at a sport or social function.
"He was definitely not a chest beater and a medal waver. He was just a down to earth and such an honourable, decent human being.
Cycling promoter Phill Bates wrote in Ride Media: "In our sport of cycling, you see some conquer with lesser effort than others. Then you witness those that continue to work harder and reach even greater heights.
"Tragically today he gave his life away leaving behind a son and daughter, family and friends just short of his 40th birthday.
"Steve achieved many cycling accolades, NSW Hall of Fame but also a degree in engineering and was playing a pivotal role at UNSW. His infectious smile, gentleman attitude on and off the bike made him a very special person.
"We are better for knowing him and worse off for losing him."
Wooldridge was inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions in 2015.
He sat on Cycling Australia's board from 2007 to 2013
"Steve will be remembered by so many for not only his success in competition, but also for the contributions he made across so many roles in the sport," CA chief executive Nick Green said.
Wooldridge found passion in competitive cycling as a child, but wasn't able to break through to the pinnacle at a young age.
After missing out on the World Junior Championships, Wooldridge concentrated on university studies - completing a Bachelor of Technology Management in Manufacturing.
Elite cycling was never far off his radar however, deciding to make a play at national selection ahead of the Sydney Olympic Games.
Focusing back on the sport initially paid off, earning a place on the nine-man squad for the Games, before a decision was made to go to a seven-man squad - Wooldridge one of the unlucky two to miss out.
Not the first time the Order of Australia medallist missed out, the snub spurred Wooldridge on and four years later, he was Olympic champion in Athens.
Anyone needing support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Fairfax Media and AAP