Superbike star Anthony Gobert dies at 48 as tributes paid to 'The Go Show' racer
Superbike star Anthony Gobert has died aged 48 following a short illness.
Gobert competed between 1994 and 2006 and finished on the podium 16 times, including in Australia, England, Austria and the United States. He also won the final leg of the World Superbike Championship season at Philip Island in 1994.
That made him the youngest-ever winner in World Superbike history, with 'The Go Show' just 19 at the time. His record stood for two years before 18-year-old Yuichi Takeda broke it in 1996.
Gobert struggled with an addiction to drugs and alcohol, losing his ride with the Suzuki factory 500cc Grand Prix team in 1997 after failing a drug test. His family announced earlier this week that he was receiving end-of-life care in a Gold Coast hospital.
"It is with sadness that we have to announce that Anthony is currently hospitalized in palliative care and is in the final stages of his life following a short illness," a statement posted on Facebook said
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"During this difficult time, the videos of Anthony being distributed during what has been an extremely troubled period of his life are deeply concerning. However, on behalf of Anthony, we must thank his many supporters from throughout his racing career."
Sadly, the 48-year-old's mother has now announced that the Australian star has died. She announced his passing in a statement on social media, paying tribute to his "kind heart" despite his struggles.
Gobert held the record for the youngster World Superbike race winner for two years (Jack Atley /Allsport)"My heart is breaking as I write this as my first born beautiful son Anthony has passed late this afternoon. I loved him from the moment he was born until the day I die. At times he was challenging to say the least but he always had a kind heart and cared for everyone," she wrote.
"Sadly he was a victim of addiction which runs deeply in our families. He tried many times to get better but he couldn’t quite make it. I am so proud of him and thank all those good people who added to his life. You know who you are."
Gobert fell deeper into his addiction after the death of his girlfriend Suni Dixon in 2004. In 2008, he was convicted of robbing a 70-year-old pensioner and a 31-year-old women, leading to a stint in prison.
The Australian would end his career with eight race wins, earning the nickname of 'The Go Show'. Tributes have been pouring in for the 48-year-old across social media, as fans paid their respects.
One wrote: "Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Anthony Gobert, an exceptionally talented motorcycle racer with a career full of accolades many could only dream of."
While another added: "Anthony Gobert was always entertaining, both on and off the bike. A real character and a prodigious talent who endured some difficult times in later life. RIP Go Show."
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