Five-Time Olympian Found Dead in Apartment

Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a Venezuelan Olympian, was found dead under tragic circumstances, raising questions about the details of her final moments.

At a Glance

Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a five-time Olympian, was found dead in her Las Vegas apartment on August 16, 2024.
The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation due to solid food remains lodged in her trachea.
Larreal Chirinos was 50 years old at the time of her death.
She competed in five Olympic Games from 1992 to 2012.

Details of the Incident

Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a renowned five-time Olympian from Venezuela, was discovered dead in her Las Vegas apartment on August 16, 2024. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported her body was discovered after she failed to show up for work at a local hotel, prompting concern among her colleagues. Police believe she died of asphyxiation due to solid food remains found in her windpipe, although the medical examiner has yet to reveal the official details of her death.

Her body was discovered four days after she was declared missing on August 12. Larreal Chirinos was 50 years old.

Five-time Olympian cyclist found dead in Las Vegas after choking on food https://t.co/UFa0Wr0esI

— The Guardian (@guardian) August 20, 2024

Life and Career

Daniela Larreal Chirinos had an illustrious career in track cycling. She competed in five Olympic Games: Barcelona (1992), Atlanta (1996), Sydney (2000), Athens (2004), and London (2012). Her best Olympic placement was seventh in the Team Sprint final event in London. The Venezuelan Olympic Committee honored her career, citing her achievements including four Olympic diplomas and numerous category triumphs.

Beyond her Olympic success, Larreal Chirinos also won two gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2002 and two silver medals at the Pan American Games in 2003. Additionally, she achieved gold medals at the Pan American Championships. Daniela had received a degree in physical education in Venezuela before her journey in the United States, where she initially lived in Miami and worked as an Uber driver before moving to Las Vegas to work as a food server.

Outspoken Critic of Venezuelan Government

In addition to her sporting achievements, Larreal Chirinos had a significant presence in Venezuelan politics. Initially a supporter of Hugo Chávez, she later backed the center-right Vente Venezuela party. This shift resulted in severe repercussions, including death threats and exile from Venezuela. She became an outspoken critic of both Chávez and his successor, Nicolás Maduro, calling Maduro’s presidency a dictatorship and accusing the regime of financial misconduct.

Her political stands gained her both supporters and critics. Tributes to her life and career have poured in from fans and fellow athletes, with the Venezuelan Olympic Committee expressing profound regret over her passing.

Legacy and Tributes

The Venezuelan Olympic Committee posted on social media, with an English translation of the post reading, “With an outstanding career in track cycling, she managed to represent us with honor in five Olympic Games, accumulate four Olympic diplomas and triumphs that always filled us with great pride.” This sentiment was echoed by numerous tributes, reflecting her impact on the sporting community and her role as a figure of resilience and prowess.

Her passing leaves a significant void in the world of sports and highlights the unforeseen dangers that can arise in daily life. The investigation into the exact circumstances of her death continues, but her legacy as one of Venezuela’s most decorated athletes remains indelible.

The contributions and dedication of Daniela Larreal Chirinos to cycling and to speaking out for belief in her country’s path cannot be overstated. She leaves behind a legacy admired by many and will be remembered for her accomplishments and courage.