- Australian cycling rider and coach Gary West has died in Adelaide on Sunday
- Mr West died aged 57 after a year-long battle with motor neurone disease
- He was responsible for Anna Meares’ return from a broken neck to Olympic gold
- Mr West has been remembered as ‘one of Australia’s finest coaches of cycling’
A top Australian cycling coach Gary West who masterminded Anna Meares’ return from a broken neck to her Olympic triumph has died aged 57.
Cycling Australia announced Gary West died in Adelaide on Sunday after a year-long battle with motor neurone disease.
Mr West boasted a long and successful career in cycling as a rider and a coach.
Cycling Australia announced Gary West died in Adelaide on Sunday after a year-long battle with motor neurone disease
He was also an advocate for motor neurone disease sufferers and the campaign to find a cure for the fatal condition.
When Mr West took over the Australian spring program in 2008 he coached Anna Meares to Olympic success.
With Mr West as her coach, Meares made a sensational comeback from a neck fracture to win silver at the Beijing Olympics.
Mr West coached Meares to success four years later when she went on to win her second Olympic gold medal in London.
When Mr West took over the Australian spring program in 2008 he coached Anna Meares to Olympic gold (pictured together at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro)
A visibly upset Anna Meares of Australia is consoled by coach Gary West after failing to qualify in the Women’s Sprint 1/8 Finals Repechages at the Olympic Velodrome during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
‘Vale Gary West, Cycling Australia is greatly saddened to announce the passing of Gary West,’ Cycling Australia announced on Sunday
Mr West has been remembered as ‘one of Australia’s finest coaches of cycling’.
‘I’m forever thankful to Gary West for giving me an opportunity at 2012 worlds. Thank you for your time and dedication to this sport,’ Australian road racing cyclist James Glasspool said.
‘His contribution to cycling was immense,’ Asian Cycling Confederation’s Dato’ Amarjit Singh said.
‘His contribution to cycling was immense,’ Asian Cycling Confederation’s Dato’ Amarjit Singh said
‘I’m forever thankful to Gary West for giving me an opportunity at 2012 worlds. Thank you for your time and dedication to this sport,’ Australian road racing cyclist James Glasspool said
‘One of Australia’s finest coaches of cycling, ‘ Australian Institute of Sport performance manager Tudor Bidder said