Vale Dean Woods OAM
Esteemed Member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame

22/06/1966 – 03/03/2022

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame is mourning the passing of esteemed Member Dean Woods OAM who passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2022 after a battle with cancer. He was 55 years old.

Dean Woods was one of Australia’s most successful cyclists in the modern era and, across his career, set one world and four national records, won 20 national titles, was victorious at 15 state championships and was a three-time world cycling champion. He claimed 4 Olympic (one gold, one silver and two bronze) and five Commonwealth Games (three gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze) medals.

An undoubted career highlight for Woods came at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games where he was a central figure in the gold-medal-winning 4000m pursuit team that outlasted powerhouse teams from Italy and the USA to claim a famous victory. Woods helped setup the team before his teammates completed the job.

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chair John Bertrand AO said “Dean Woods was a champion both on and off the track. One of our greatest of the modern era. 

Three times world cycling champion, world record holder, four national records and 20 national titles. He competed both as an amateur, then as a professional on the European circuit.

Together with coach Charlie Walsh, he took the understanding of elite training to a new level. In his era, there was no ‘play book’, little financial support. All had to be developed. 

Dean was passionate about the future of cycling in Australia. He developed a successful cycling components import business. He kept close to the development of the sport, to elite performance on the world stage. 

On behalf of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, we extend your thoughts to his wife Megan, daughters, Charlie and his team mates and indeed the entire cycling community.”

Fellow SAHOF Member, friend and coach, David ‘Charlie’ Walsh OAM said “Dean Woods was an exceptional cyclist and an even better person. His cycling as a youngster never seen him look for a lesser easier option.

Whatever others were capable of doing he had to do it, and if possible better. He always sought to treat others with respect and dignity.

There are people in life we admire, and Dean Woods was one of those. I am thankful for having the opportunity to have been his friend.”

Read Dean Woods’ full biography here.