Australian Olympian Tait dies aged 33

Tait won silver in the women's coxless pair at the 2012 Olympics in London and was a three-time Olympian, having competed in the women's eights at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

Australian Olympian Sarah Tait in action.

Australian Olympic rower Sarah Tait died aged 33 on Thursday after losing her battle with cancer.

Tait won silver in the women's coxless pair at the 2012 Olympics in London and was a three-time Olympian, having competed in the women's eights at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

She also won World Championship gold with Australia in the women's eights in 2005, picking up a silver in the women's pair at the same regatta.

She became the first mother to row for Australia in London following the birth of her first child Leila in 2009.

The Australian Olympic Committee confirmed her death in a statement, in which president John Coates paid tribute to the mother of two.

"We are extremely saddened to hear of Sarah’s passing and offer our deepest sympathy to her husband, two children, family and friends," he said.

"Sarah was an extremely talented Olympic rower taken far too soon from us. She battled to the end.

"Amongst her amazing achievements Sarah pioneered change in attitude by Rowing Australia with the introduction of their Family Friendly Policy allowing children of athletes to be reunited with their mums while away for extended periods of time training and competing.

"The legacy she leaves for younger women who would like to pursue both motherhood and elite sport is truly inspirational."