Olympian Daniela Larreal Chirinos Found Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances

Olympian Daniela Larreal Chirinos’ sudden death following a choking incident has left many with unanswered questions.

At a Glance

Former Olympic cyclist Daniela Larreal Chirinos has died at age 50.
She choked on food in her Las Vegas apartment.
Police found her deceased on Friday, Aug. 16, after she was reported missing by colleagues.
Chirinos had a decorated career, representing Venezuela in five Olympic Games.

A Tragic Discovery in Las Vegas

Daniela Larreal Chirinos was found dead in her Las Vegas apartment after being reported missing by colleagues. The former Olympic cyclist failed to show up for work on Monday, Aug. 12. Police discovered her body on Friday, Aug. 16, concluding her death resulted from asphyxiation due to food remains in her trachea. The tragic incident occurred months before her 51st birthday.

Chirinos’ death has shocked the sports community. A five-time Olympian, she represented Venezuela in the 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2012 Games. Her best Olympic finish was seventh in the Team Sprint final event in London 2012. Her death marks the end of one of Venezuela’s most illustrious sporting careers.

Former Olympic cyclist Daniela Larreal Chirinos found dead inside Las Vegas apartment days after choking on her food: report https://t.co/4VTribSyIP pic.twitter.com/UHMZMY1xiN

— New York Post (@nypost) August 19, 2024

Career and Achievements

Chirinos had an extraordinary career in track cycling. She won multiple medals, including gold in the Pan American Games and Championships. In 2011, she clinched gold in the team sprint and keirin races at the Pan American Games. Besides her Olympic participations, Chirinos garnered numerous Pan American Games medals, including two silver medals at the 2003 Santo Domingo Games.

With these accolades, Chirinos earned a degree in Physical Education from Venezuela before relocating to the U.S., initially to Miami and later to Las Vegas, where she worked as a waitress.

5-time Olympic cyclist Daniela Larreal Chirinos found dead in Vegas apartmenthttps://t.co/Wxq7zlQae0

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) August 19, 2024

An outspoken voice in exile

Chirinos was also known for her political activism. She openly criticized former Venezuelan leaders like Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. This led to her exile and ban from Venezuela under Maduro’s regime, labeling his presidency as a dictatorship. Such strong stances resulted in her fleeing to the U.S. for safety.

“The COV Board of Directors regrets the departure of Daniela Larreal. 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,” the Venezuelan Olympic Committee said in a social media post.

Five-time Olympic cyclist Daniela Larreal Chirinos has died after reportedly choking on her food. https://t.co/06lMqaQ4Gi

— Us Weekly (@usweekly) August 19, 2024

A Legacy That Extends Beyond Sports

Chirinos’ contributions to Venezuelan sports are indelible. As the only five-time Olympian in Venezuelan history, she inspired future generations of athletes. However, her final days in the U.S. as an Uber driver and food server paint a picture of a talented athlete exiled from her home due to her political beliefs.

“I join in the mourning that afflicts the country and send my heartfelt words of condolence to her family, friends and those who were her teammates in her sporting career,” Venezuelan opposition figure Henrique Capriles wrote on social media.

As the sports world mourns, they celebrate her achievements and contributions to Venezuelan cycling. Daniela Larreal Chirinos will be remembered for her prowess on the track and her unwavering courage in standing for what she believed in.