Melissa Hoskins was an Australian track and road racing cyclist who competed in two Olympic Games and won several medals at the World Championships. She was married to Rohan Dennis, another professional cyclist, and they had two children together. Hoskins died on 31 December 2023, after being hit by a vehicle allegedly driven by her husband.
Melissa Hoskins: An Olympic Cyclist
Early Life and Personal Information
Hoskins was born on 24 February 1991 in Kalamunda, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. She attended Walliston Primary School and Carmel Adventist College, before pursuing a Bachelor of Sports Science at Murdoch University. She started cycling when she was 15 years old, after participating in a talent identification event at the Western Australian Institute of Sport. She specialised in endurance events on the track, and also competed in road races as a sprinter. She was coached by Gary Sutton and Darryl Benson, and trained in Adelaide and Varese, Italy.
Hoskins married Dennis in February 2018, after dating for several years. They had a son at the end of that year, and another child later. The family split their time between Girona, La Massana, and Adelaide.
Cycling Career
Hoskins made her international debut in 2009, when she won a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the World Championships in PruszkĆ³w, Poland. She repeated the feat in 2010 and 2011, and also won a silver medal in the scratch race in 2012. She competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where she finished fourth in the team pursuit with her teammates Annette Edmondson, Josephine Tomic, and Amy Cure.
Hoskins also had success on the road, winning the Tour of Chongming Island in 2012, and several stages and criteriums in other races. She was part of the GreenEDGEāAIS team that won the team time trial at the World Championships in 2012, 2013, and 2014. She also won silver and bronze medals in the individual time trial at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and 2022, respectively.
Hoskins announced her retirement from professional cycling on 2 May 2017, citing health issues and a desire to start a family. She said she was proud of her achievements and grateful for the support she received throughout her career.
Tragic Death and Grieving Family
Details of Hoskinsā Death
Hoskins died on 31 December 2023, at the age of 32. She was hit by a ute in the inner north suburbs of Adelaide, and suffered severe injuries. She was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the ute was identified as her husband, Rohan Dennis, who was arrested at the scene.
Husband Charged in Connection
Dennis was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care, and endangering life. He appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 1 January 2024, and was remanded in custody. He did not apply for bail, and did not enter a plea. He is due to appear in court again on 15 February 2024.
Dennis had announced his retirement from professional cycling on 10 February 2023, after a successful career that included two world titles in the individual time trial, and stage wins in all three Grand Tours. He had also competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where he won a silver medal in the time trial. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests.
The motive for the alleged incident is unknown, and the police are investigating the circumstances. It is not clear if the couple had any marital problems, or if Dennis was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Remembering Melissa Hoskins
Tributes from Family and Friends
Hoskinsā death shocked and saddened the cycling community, as well as the general public. Many people paid tribute to her on social media, expressing their condolences and admiration. Her family and friends described her as a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, who was passionate, generous, and fun-loving. They said she had a bright smile and a positive attitude, and that she inspired many people with her talent and determination.
Some of the notable figures who honoured Hoskins included:
- Anna Meares, a former teammate and friend, who said Hoskins was āa beautiful soul, a fierce competitor, and a loyal friendā.
- Simon Gerrans, a former teammate and mentor, who said Hoskins was āa wonderful person and a great ambassador for the sportā.
- Amanda Spratt, a current teammate and friend, who said Hoskins was āa joy to be around, always making everyone laugh and feel goodā.
- Matt White, the sports director of GreenEDGEāAIS, who said Hoskins was āa key member of our team, and a leader on and off the bikeā.
- Scott McGrory, a former Olympian and commentator, who said Hoskins was āa star of Australian cycling, and a lovely human beingā.
Legacy as a Freewheeling Spirit
Hoskins will be remembered as one of the best cyclists of her generation, and a trailblazer for womenās cycling in Australia. She achieved remarkable results in both track and road disciplines, and represented her country with pride and honour. She was also a role model and an advocate for young cyclists, especially girls, who wanted to follow their dreams.
Hoskins had a zest for life, and a love for adventure. She enjoyed travelling, exploring, and experiencing new things. She was always up for a challenge, and never gave up. She was also a caring and compassionate person, who supported various causes and charities. She had a strong bond with her family and friends, and cherished every moment with them.
Hoskins left behind a legacy of excellence, courage, and joy, that will inspire generations to come.
Conclusion
Melissa Hoskins was a remarkable woman, who lived a full and meaningful life. She was an Olympic cyclist, a world champion, a wife, a mother, and a friend. She touched many lives with her talent, passion, and kindness. She died tragically, in a shocking and senseless incident, that left her family and fans heartbroken. She will be dearly missed, and forever remembered.
