Both Sport New Zealand and Cycling New Zealand are doing everything they can to support those affected by the death of cyclist Olivia Podmore.
Podmore died on Monday after a troubling social media post about the pressure of elite sport. She was 24 years old. The post has since been deleted.
Speaking on Tuesday, Cycling NZ chief executive Jacques Landry paid tribute to Podmore.
"We're saddened by the sudden death of Olivia Podmore," Landry said.
"Right now our hearts go out to the families, the athletes, the friends that were close to her."
Landry also emphasised that support is being given to those closest to Podmore, including her former teammates - some of whom are now in managed isolation after returning from the Tokyo Olympics.
"We put our crisis management team in place as soon as we got the news last night," he said.
"We've been working long hours, and will continue to work long hours until we know every single person is out of harm's way, to a certain degree, and we know they're taken care of, and know there's some good support in MIQ and also outside of MIQ."
Landry added that there will be a review into Podmore's death.
"We're going to be questioning this for a long time," he said.
"There'll be a time for us to review, and look at if and where we had missteps or where we didn't act properly."
Sport New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle also assured the public that lessons will be learned from the tragic passing of Podmore.
"We feel some of those very same frustrations, and hurt, and upset," Castle said.
"You never, ever, ever want this on your watch. Never.
"But we're here now, and we have to learn from it.
"We have to make sure that it's one death, and it's not something that we ever see, and Jacques [Landry] and I don't ever have to stand in front of you having a press conference like this ever again."
Castle, who has also worked in organisational roles with the likes of Rugby Australia, Netball New Zealand and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL, described Podmore's death as "the hardest" moment of her career.
"There is no other scenario that you can imagine that is as difficult as this one," added Castle.
"We have made some improvements across the sector. The new strategic plan for High Performance Sport New Zealand has a clear pillar focussed on athlete wellbeing.
"Is it perfect at the moment? No, it's not. Have we got improvements to make? Absolutely.
"The key thing is that we learn from the situation, and Olivia and make sure that her legacy is that we make improvements in the system."
And Landry has moved to assure the cycling community that his organisation will support in whatever way they can.
"We want them to know that we're there for them, and we'll support them in any way possible.
"Support is given in different ways, shapes and forms depending on the individual. We're nimble enough to support those people, the athletes and staff, that need it.
"We're just there and want to support as much as possible."
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
