Sarah Tait dead: London 2012 Olympic medalist and former Australian rower dies, aged 33

Australian rower Sarah Tait, who won Olympic silver at London 2012, has died at the age of 33 after suffering from cancer, Rowing Australia has confirmed.

Tait partnered Kate Hornsey in the women’s pair to medal at the London Olympics, but was forced to retire from the sport just two years later after being diagnosed with cancer in 2013.

A statement released by Rowing Australia on behalf of Tait’s family read: "The Tait and Outhwaite families are sad to inform of the peaceful passing of Sarah Tait after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

"Bill, Leila, Luca and the wider Tait and Outhwaite families continue to be grateful for the support and love that has been shared with Sarah and them through this difficult time.

"The families are enormously proud of the positive impact Sarah has made on so many throughout her life, and know she will be dearly missed."

Australian Rowing head coach Chris O'Brien added: "Sarah has been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to many Australian rowers. She was a strong role model to many young athletes but was particularly influential with our emerging female athletes.

"Sarah was one of rowing's most successful and impressive female athletes who has left a permanent mark on our sport."

As well as competing at London 2012, Tait was part of the women’s eights at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, and she became Australia’s first rowing mother after the birth of her daughter, Leila, in 2009. She was also coached by her husband, Bill, throughout her career.

However, following the birth of the couple’s second child, Luca, in 2013, Tait was diagnosed with cancer, and was forced to retire a year later.