Olympic Rower Sarah Tait, 33

(ATR) Sarah Tait, a silver-medalist in rowing at the London 2012 Olympics died this week after a three year bout with cancer.

"We are extremely saddened to hear of Sarah’s passing and offer our deepest sympathy to her husband, two children, family and friends," said AOC president John Coates. "Sarah was an extremely talented Olympic rower taken far too soon from us. She battled to the end."

Her diagnosis in 2013 brought an end to a rowing career that featured a world championship in 2005 and three Olympic appearances starting in Athens 2004 and culminating in the silver medal at the London 2012 Games.

On top of her achievement as an Olympian, Tait was recognized as a mother who continued to train and win medals at the elite level.

Tait became pregnant with her first child, Leila, three months after the Beijing Olympics and famously swam 15 kilometers a day while pregnant until three weeks before her birth. She returned to training when Leila was five months old and went on to win silver in London with teammate Kate Hornsey.

"The legacy she leaves for younger women who would like to pursue both motherhood and elite sport is truly inspirational," said Coates.

"Sarah has been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to many Australian rowers," said Australian Rowing head coach Chris O'Brien. "She was a strong role model to many young athletes but was particularly influential with our emerging female athletes."

Tait was diagnosed with cancer after the birth of her second child, Luca, in 2013. She is survived by her children and husband Bill who coached her throughout her career.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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