April 16, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – Sports communities across Canada are mourning the loss of Randy Starkman, a passionate and prolific journalist, who championed amateur sport and was loved, respected and admired by athletes, colleagues and sport associations across the country.

Starkman, 51, was admitted to hospital last week suffering from pneumonia and after several days in intensive care did not recover. Many are describing his loss as a huge void in the world of sport journalism.

He was one of kind with a remarkable career joining the Toronto Star after the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. A two-time National Newspaper Award winner, Starkman covered 12 Olympic Games.

“Randy brought to life the lives and the struggles and the careers of amateur athletes like no one else,” said John Honderich, chairman of the board of Torstar Corp., the parent company of the Star in Starkman’s obituary.

Toronto Star Editor, Michael Cooke said, “Randy was a reporter who knew the amateur sports beat A-to-Z and back again. His lively personality and deeply rooted professionalism will be so sadly missed by our newsroom.”

Starkman was a big supporter of cycling and would occasionally contact Pedal for background information, or for our reaction or opinion on issues, and he knew many of Canada’s top riders.

In a Canadian Cycling Association release, Greg Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General, paid tribute to Starkman. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Randy Starkman, a true champion of amateur sports, a tireless advocate of athletes from all sports in Canada.

“Randy was always enthusiast in sharing the stories of our athletes. Throughout his illustrious career covering 12 Olympic Games and countless major sport events, Randy built warm relationships with sports administrators and athletes alike in the Canadian Sport Community. He will be missed by all of us,” said Mathieu.

Starkman is survived by his wife, Mary Hynes, and their daughter Ella.

Read Randy’s obituary HERE.

Pedal joins the sport community across Canada in sending condolences to Starkman’s family, colleagues and friends.