Carla Swart was killed today while cycling in South Africa. This is a photo I have of her from Collegiate Track Nationals in Colorado Springs in 2008. She was an extremely talented young athlete that we enjoyed watching compete during both Kristin and Sierra's college years. She will be missed.

The report from USA Cycling:


USA Cycling would like to extend its deepest condolences to the friends and family of collegiate cycling champion, Carla Swart, who was killed during a training ride on Wednesday.

According to reports, the 23-year-old Swart was hit by a truck while riding in the central Free State province of her native South Africa.

Swart moved with her family to the United States as a teenager and earned both cycling and running scholarships to North Carolina’s Lees-McRae College.

From there, she earned a total of 19 national titles to become the most decorated rider in U.S. collegiate cycling history. She was also the first athlete to win national titles across all four disciplines of collegiate cycling in one year.

Last year saw the talented, young rider win the “Best Young Rider” award at the Tour de L’Aude stage race in France. She planned to continue her career in the pro ranks in 2011, having just signed a full-time pro contract with HTC-Highroad.