Cycling coach Kevin McIntosh described Modra as a "superstar" in his field with a legacy that transcended Paralympics. Scott McPee and Kieran Modra after winning gold in the Men's Individual B Pursuit at the 2012 Paralympics Games in London. Credit:AP "He had a real doggedness about him; a willpower about him that always propelled the bike," McIntosh said. "His psychology was such that he was unbeatable, and he was so strong in the mind as a super-strong human that anyone in his category feared him. "If they knew they were up against Kieran, they were looking at silver."

In recent years, Modra dedicated much of his time to working with younger Paralympians and nurturing them, McIntosh said. "He was a kind and gentle soul." Five-time Paralympic gold medallist Kieran Modra has been killed while riding his bike north of Adelaide. Credit:Nine News Modra is survived bywife Kerry and three daughters Makala, Holly and Janae. Paralympics Australia chief executive Lynne Anderson said the community was "deeply mourning the loss of legendary" Modra, who would leave a long-lasting legacy.

The 47-year-old had accepted Paralympics Australia's invitation to help athletes prepare for Tokyo 2020, Ms Anderson said. "Kieran is a giant of Australian Paralympic sport, not only because of his competitive success but also because of his wider contribution to the Paralympic movement across multiple sports over many years," she said. "As an athlete, he was the fiercest of competitors who was at his best when the odds were against him. Away from the competitive arena, Kieran was a kind soul and a great character with a huge heart who loved engaging with people and sharing his experiences." Modra began his Paralympics career in 1988 as a para-athlete, before switching to para-swimming for the 1992 Paralympics. But it was his para-cycling career, from 1996 to 2016, that would elevate him to the pinnacle of Paralympic sport.

In 2014, Modra was made an Order of Australia for his "significant service to sport as an athlete representing Australia at the Paralympic Games, and to people who are blind or have low vision". South Australian police said in a statement they were investigating the fatal crash. "Just after 7am today, police and emergency services were called to the Sturt Highway just south-west of Argent Road, after a Kia sedan travelling north-east collided with a cyclist travelling in the same direction," the statement said. "The Sturt Highway was closed for some time but has since reopened to all traffic." with AAP