It is with profound regret and sorrow that the VIS has learned of the passing of London Olympic silver medallist Sarah Tait.
Sarah’s husband, the VIS Head Rowing Coach Bill Tait has asked us to release this statement on his behalf;
“The Tait and Outhwaite families are sad to inform of the peaceful passing of Sarah Tait after a long & 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 & 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.”
The triple Olympian, and mother of two, was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 shortly after the birth of son Luca.
Sarah Tait, nee Outhwaite, won gold, silver and bronze medals at World Championships and was also captain of the Australian rowing team at the 2008 and 2012 Games.
She was the first mother to row for Australia at the Olympics. Daughter Leila was three years old when she watched Sarah win a silver medal in London with Kate Hornsey.
We've had several people contact us to ask about how they can pay tribute to Sarah Tait.
Bill and Sarah hoped people would donate to the Caritas Hospice Art Therapy Program. This program enabled their children to interact and accept Sarah's situation in the final months of her life.
When clicking through to donate, select Caritas Christi KEW when you're filling in your donation form.https://www.stvfoundation.org.au/donate/donate-landing-page
A private cremation service will be held prior to an open Memorial Service at 12noon on Thursday 10 March (venue near CBD, TBC). The service will be broadcast via the Periscope app. for the benefit of Sarah's interstate and international family and friends who cannot attend.
Family and friends are invited to join a wake at Mercantile Rowing Club starting around 2pm (walking distance from the memorial service).
Confirmed details will be available shortly.
