Las Vegas, NV — Daniela Larreal Chirinos, a celebrated Venezuelan cyclist and five-time Olympian, has passed away at the age of 51. Her remarkable career spanned two decades, during which she represented Venezuela on the world’s biggest stage, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of track cycling.
Larreal was discovered deceased in her Las Vegas home on August 15, following a welfare check initiated by a concerned friend who had not heard from her for several days. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, but according to a police report, homicide detectives were not involved in the investigation. The Clark County coroner’s office is still determining the cause and manner of her death.
The Venezuelan Olympic Committee expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Larreal, describing her in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) as an athlete with an “outstanding career in track cycling,” whose Olympic achievements brought immense pride to Venezuela.
Larreal’s Olympic journey began at the 1992 Barcelona Games, and she went on to compete in five Summer Olympics, including the 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens, and 2012 London Games. Her absence at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was a notable gap in an otherwise continuous Olympic presence. Throughout her career, she was known for her tenacity and dedication, qualities that endeared her to fans and fellow athletes alike.
At the time of her death, Larreal was working as a housekeeper at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the newest casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The establishment released a statement mourning her loss, calling her a “beloved member” of their team.
Larreal’s passing comes just weeks after the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, serving as a poignant reminder of the athletes who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of excellence in sport. Her legacy will be remembered not just in Venezuela but in the broader world of athletics, where she remains an inspiring figure in track cycling.
