Olympic cyclist Podmore 'suffered trauma' before sudden death
The coroner's inquest into Oliva Podmore's sudden death resumed in Christchurch today with a forensic psychologist saying the Olympic cyclist suffered 'trauma' before she died.
Dr Erik Monasterio spoke of the emotional distress Podmore experienced following the release of the Heron Report in 2018. The report was commissioned after an incident before the Rio Olympics where Podmore uncovered an inappropriate athlete-coach relationship at a training camp in Bordeaux.
Monasterio said Podmore's role as a whistleblower was a key factor. 'We know that people who are whistleblowers carry a considerable burden of distress, psychological and psychiatric problems thereafter,' he said.
'What has become clearer to me is just the extent and the severity of that trauma.'
The coroner resumed the inquest today with an apology to Olivia Podmore's family for the four-month delay. (Source: 1News)
Monasterio is acting as an independent expert witness and has read and listened to much of the evidence given during the three weeks of hearings already held in front of Coroner Louella Dunn.
The coroner started the resumption of the inquest today with an apology to Podmore's family for the four-month delay in resuming the inquest brought about by issues of fairness and scheduling problems.
More than 20 witnesses have given evidence to the hearing which is looking at the circumstances around Podmore's suspected suicide in August 2021.
The hearing has now been transferred to Podmore's hometown of Christchurch from Hamilton to ease some of the burden on the family.
When questioned by High Performance Sport NZ's counsel, Monasterio admitted there were limitations to his findings as he never had a chance to speak with Podmore. He was brought in as an expert following her death.
Monasterio also acknowledged improvements have been made in the sport.
'It certainly has taken very positive steps to improve what was there before. Everything it can? I'm not sure.'
The Inquest is due to be complete by Thursday.
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