Olympian Melissa Hoskins Remembered in Touching Funeral

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Olympian Melissa Hoskins Remembered in Touching Funeral

More than 100 people attended the funeral of Olympic athlete and former world champion Melissa Dennis (née Hoskins) on Wednesday in Perth, Australia.

The service was held in the West Chapel of Fremantle Cemetery, where she was remembered as a daughter, sister, and mother in a moving eulogy by her father.

"We celebrate today a life cut too short. Melissa was just warming up ...... Her best performance was yet to come. All of us are saddened. There could have been more."

Hoskins, a mother of two who was married to Rohan Dennis, died on New Year's Eve after allegedly being hit by a car in Adelaide on the night of December 30. Dennis was charged with dangerous driving manslaughter, reckless driving manslaughter, and dangerous driving manslaughter.

Dennis was released on bail and scheduled to appear in court on March 13 to attend the funeral.

The death of Hoskins, who raced on track and road until his retirement from professional cycling in 2017, sparked shock and grief.

During her career, Hoskins represented Australia at two Olympics in team pursuit, winning gold in the event at the 2015 World Championships.

She also won five medals at the Track World Championships, and was on the podium three times in the team time trial at the Road World Championships.

ABC News reported, "When Melissa retired, she reset her goals. Mel was a family supporter."

She was also a "family man.

During the funeral, attendees were told that Hoskins grew up in Kalamanda. They recalled that as a child she loved to climb trees and ride her bike. She also spoke of her love of music, dancing, and cooking.

"The kitchen is a happy place for both of us, and I always think of you when I am cooking," her sister said.

Gary Sutton, Hoskins' former coach, spoke at the funeral and said it was an honor to know her career.

"She was one of the best team players I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She always put the needs and best interests of the team first before her own. We loved her like a daughter."

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