The former volleyball player Walewska Oliveira passed away at the age of 43 on Thursday, 21, in São Paulo. For now, the family has not revealed the cause of her death.

The athlete was Olympic champion in Beijing in 2008 and was a bronze medalist in Sydney in 2000. She said goodbye to the courts in 2022, when she played for the Praia Clube team. Recently, she released the book Other Networks about her trajectory and was in the publicity phase of the project.

Her last appearance was on Canal Attack Defense, by former volleyball player Alexandre Oliveira, on the internet. She recorded the interview on Wednesday the 20th and it aired on Thursday the 21st.

On social media, the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation mourned the death of the former player. “Walewska was a special player, her career in the sport will forever be remembered and revered. At this difficult time, CBV sympathizes with the family and friends of this great player“, said president of CBV, Radamés Lattari.

Celebrities mourn Walewska’s death

On social media, celebrities mourned the athlete’s death. Former volleyball player Sheilla Castro recalled a meeting between them. “This photo is from the launch of your book here in BH, three days after my grandmother’s death. I remember that when you saw me you were happy and surprised that I came to honor you. Well, I was very sad. But even in mourning, he would never stop participating in such an important moment in his life. Walzinha, you have always been an example for me on and off the court. Pain is too great. Now the mourning is different, it is for his early departure. Strength to all your family and friends. Rest in peace“, she said.

Presenter Christina Rocha wrote: “As a former volleyball player who loves and follows this sport daily, I am devastated by the premature death of our Olympic player @walewska.oliveira Walewsca What a shame! My condolences to the whole family and also to the Brazilian volleyball family. Very sad“.