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Olympic medallist Sarah Tait passes away

Sarah Tait (right) alongside Kate Hornsey after winning silver in the women's par at London 2012. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Editor
3rd March, 2016
2

Sarah Tait, a silver medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games, has passed away. She was 33.

Tait won Australia’s first medal of the rowing regatta in 2012, winning silver with Kate Horney in the women’s pair. She was also a dual medallist at the 2005 World Rowing championships, taking home gold and silver, and also won bronze in 2011.

Following the birth of her second child in 2013, Tait was diagnosed with cervical cancer and decided to step away from rowing in February of 2014 to focus on fighting the disease.

In a statement, Rob Scott, CEO of Rowing Australia, paid tribute to Tait’s character.

“Sarah represented Australia with distinction and pride and she was the most fantastic role model to all our athletes, both past and present,” Scott said.

“She was one of the most determined and passionate rowers in our sport and she will be deeply missed by everyone in the rowing community. The entire Australian rowing community sends its thoughts and best wishes to Bill, the children and Sarah’s family at this tragic time.”

Those sentiments were echoed by current Australian Rowing Team Head Coach, Chris O’Brien.

“Sarah has been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to many Australian rowers. She was a strong role model to many young athletes but was particularly influential with our emerging female athletes,” said O’Brien.

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“Her spirit for rowing was paralleled with her dedication to her family and friends. Sarah was one of rowing’s most successful and impressive female athletes who has left a permanent mark on our sport. I was personally inspired by Sarah’s pursuit of success in sport and life. She will be sadly missed.”

Tait is survived by her husband Bill, and two children Leila and Luca.

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