Olympic medallist Katie Archibald paid tribute to her mountain biker partner who died suddenly days after winning a national title.
Rab Wardell, 37, from Glasgow, passed away on Tuesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest while he was in bed with his partner, Katie. His death was confirmed by the Scottish Cross Country Association and came two days after he won the Scottish Cross Country Championship.
Olympic and Commonwealth gold cyclist Katie, 28, spoke of how she attempted to save his life before paramedics arrived, adding she "still doesn't understand what's happened".
READ MORE: Missing Glasgow man spotted on CCTV with mystery woman as search continues
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."
Further tributes have poured in for the sportsman with the Scottish Cross Country Association praising him as an "inspiration".
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Their statement 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 Commonweath Games athlete posted of his joy at winning the elite men's title at the Scottish MTB XC Championships on social media: "Scottish Champion. It’s taken a few years but I can now add the Senior Cross Country title to the Junior and U23 ones I won nearly 2 decades ago."
READ NEXT:
Lanarkshire pensioner battered with metal pole by bogus workers ransacking his home
Glasgow prisoner death probe after hammer attack brute dies in jail
Lanarkshire pensioner battered with metal pole by bogus workers ransacking his home
Glasgow emergency sewer repair underway in Shawlands following 'sewer flooding' reports
Cameron House fatal fire night porter didn't tell police he put bag of ashes in cupboard
