News that two-time Olympian and former world champion cyclist Melissa Hoskins was killed after her husband, Rohan Dennis, struck her with a ute in Adelaide’s inner north over the weekend has rattled the nation.
This makes Hoskins the 63rd woman in Australia to be killed by an alleged violent assault in 2023, according to Destroy the Joint statistics.
The 32-year-old mother of two died after paramedics rushed her to hospital with serious injuries on Saturday night.
Her husband, 33-year-old former professional cyclist Dennis, was charged with causing her death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and endangering life. He was released on bail to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court again in March.
Known for her many achievements in track cycling, Hoskins leaves behind a remarkable legacy.
She was a member of the Australian track cycling team pursuit that finished in fourth place at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Hoskins also won gold in the women’s team pursuit at the 2015 world championships and retired from professional cycling in 2017.
Tributes have been flowing in for the beloved Hoskins, as loved ones and those in the cycling community grieve her life.
In a statement released on New Year’s Day, AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner described the “shock and sorrow” felt by Hoskins’ “tragic death”, as the cycling force had been an inspiration to many.
“Melissa, a mother, daughter, and wife, was also a champion cyclist who thrilled and inspired us with her exquisite skills on the track and road,” Fechner said.
“Melissa began her competitive cycling career at just 16, and by the time she retired at the age of 25 she had shown the world that she was an athlete of rare prowess.”
“Melissa described her team Pursuit Gold Medal at the 2015 UCI Track Cycling World Championships as the highlight of her career, but for the rest of us, the highlight was just having her around.”
Media coverage of women killed in Australia
As more information is released on Hoskins’ alleged murder by her husband, many advocates have begun calling out the media’s reporting of her death.
“Even though she was a world champion, her accomplishments are repeatedly being ignored while those of the man who allegedly killed her are featured in the headlines,” writes Director of the American Medical Women’s Association, Dr. Arghavan Salles on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
Many of the media headlines have referred to Hoskins’ as “Rohan Dennis’ wife” rather than stating her full name. Dennis’ cycling career has also been placed front and centre despite Hoskins’ own towering list of accomplishments.
Pointing out the disparity and need for better media coverage surrounding the death of women in Australia, Non Executive Director of Full Stop Australia, Fay Calderone has written on LinkedIn that “we must do better”.
“Heartbroken for her children, family and those who loved her,” Calderone writes about Hoskins’ death.
“I truly hope 2024 is a better year.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
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