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Two-time Welsh Olympian Philippa Roles has died, UK Athletics has announced.

The 39-year-old discuss thrower, from Neath, competed at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. She also represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Delhi and Kuala Lumpur.

The cause of death has not been confirmed.

Former train driver Roles competed for the Swansea Harriers Athletics Club and recorded the fourth longest discuss throw of 62.89 metres in British history in June, 2003.

Niels de Vos, CEO of UK Athletics, said: “All at UK Athletics send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Philippa at this sad time.”

Former team-mate Shaun Pickering added: "So sad to hear of the death of discus thrower Philippa Roles at age 39. So proud to have been her teammate."

Ms Roles represented the Swansea Harriers from an early age and still holds records for the club stretching back to 1992.

She holds four of the club's six female discus records and three of its seven shot put records.

Tributes poured in from around the world.

Welsh Athletics head of coaching and performance Scott Simpson told the BBC: "We are all shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic news. We are currently awaiting more information surrounding what has happened.

"Philippa was one of Wales' finest ever throwers, excelling across all disciplines, but particularly in the discus.

"Her bubbly personality always brought a smile to those around her and she will be remembered as the life and soul of the Welsh teams that she was a part of.

"Not only the best teammate that one could have wished for, she was an inspiration to many and a great role model for future generations of athlete across all disciplines.

"She will be sorely missed by all that knew her and we would like to send our deepest condolences to her family and friends during this most difficult of times."

Olympic weightlifter and British senior champion Jo Calvino tweeted: “Such a great loss & gone too soon #RIPPhillipaRoles”

Commentator and ex-teammate Shaun Pickering added: “So sad to hear of the death of Discus thrower Phillipa Roles at age 39. So proud to have been her teammate in KL1998 CWG. @WelshAthletics”

Emma Probert, owner of Shapes fitness centre in Neath, said "We at Shapes are so sad with the devastating news of Phillipa's death. Such tragic news, especially so soon after the death of her amazing mum and our very good friend Pauline who was like family to us.

“Our thoughts are with the family, especially Rebecca who is still grieving the loss of her mum. This is horrendous for her.”