Former Olympic volleyball champion, Walewska Oliveira dies suddenly at 43

Olympic gold medallist, Walewska Oliveira has died suddenly at the age of 43.

Oliveira played volleyball for Brazil and won gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. She also represented her country at Sydney in 2000, where she won bronze before also competing in Athens in 2004. 

She died in Sao Paulo and her cause of death has not yet been confirmed to the public

Oliveira, who made her debut for Brazil in 1998 helped her country to a World Championship silver medal, while they also made two World Cup finals with her in the team.

Following the tragic news, the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV) said: 'With sadness and immense regret, the CBV received the news of the death of Olympic champion Walewska on Thursday night.

'At this difficult time, CBV sympathizes with the family and friends of this great player.'

CBV president Radames Lattari added: 'Walewska was a special player, her career in the sport will forever be remembered and revered. At this difficult time, CBV sympathises with the family and friends of this great player.' 

Oliveira retired from the sport in 2022 and when announcing her decision, she said : 'My career was beautiful. I have a lot to thank everyone, Praia Clube for ending my career here, for participating in this group.

'I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life.'

Oliveira represented 11 clubs in her career which included spells in Italy, Spain, and Russia along with her homeland. 

Her last team, Praia Clube, a club she had two spells at, said: 'Brazilian volleyball and the sports community have lost a true legend, and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.