Olympic champion Katie Archibald tried desperately to resuscitate mountain biker Rab Wardell before his sudden death on Tuesday morning. Katie, 28, has told how she attempted to save her partner, as the 37-year-old fell into cardiac arrest while the pair were in bed.
Despite her efforts, and those of the paramedics that arrived shortly after, Rab, from Glasgow, sadly passed away. His tragic death came just two days after he claimed the Scottish Cross Country Championship.
Olympic and Commonwealth gold medal winner Katie has paid a moving tribute to her cyclist partner following the tragedy.
Posting on Twitter about the heartbreaking incident, she said: "I think you've heard that Rab died yesterday morning. I still don't understand what's happened, if this is real, why he'd be taken now - so healthy and happy. He went into cardiac arrest while we were lying in bed. I tried and tried, and the paramedics arrived within minutes, but his heart stopped and they couldn't bring him back. Mine stopped with it.
"I love him so much and need him here with me. I need him here so badly, but he's gone. I can't describe this pain. Thank you to those making tributes. I can't bear to talk about him in the past tense to say anything myself. You mean everything to me, Rab. I love you."
Rab passed away just two days after winning the elite men's title at the Scottish MTB XC Championships in Dumfries and Galloway at the weekend. The sportsman appeared on BBC Scotland's The Nine programme on Monday as he discussed how he had overcome three punctures to win the race.
Tributes have flooded in for the mountain bike champion following his death. The Scottish Cross Country Association, which runs the mountain bike race series, released a statement in his memory.
It reads: "Our deepest sympathy to his friends, family and loved ones. He will be truly missed by our community and his determination, talent and friendship will live on in all our hearts and memories.
"I'm sure more eloquent words will be written by many but RIP Rab. Our Champion, Our Inspiration, Our Friend."
The former Commonwealth Games cyclist set a new record time for completing the West Highland Way in 2020. He had been racing mountain bikes since his early 20s, but only turned professional earlier this year.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
