‘Truly a special one’: Flowing tributes from fans following death of former Australian Grand Prix road racer

Fans have flocked to Facebook to share tributes following the death of a former Aussie motorcycle racing sensation who became the youngest rider to win a World Superbike race before spiralling into an existence of drugs and crime. Details here:

Fans have flocked to Facebook to share tributes following the death of a former Aussie motorcycle racing sensation who became the youngest rider to win a World Superbike race before spiralling into an existence of drugs and crime.

Former professional road racer Anthony “The Go Show” Gobert was hospitalised with an undisclosed illness on January 11 and died on the afternoon of January 17.

Gobert’s mother, Suzanne, posted on Facebook: “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. 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.”

Tributes from friends and family have flooded the Goberts’ pages, all wishing the family love and support while they navigate the next steps.

Michael Roth, a German ex-motorcycle racer, was one of the first who took to comments writing: “Suzanne, your son was my idol, and no matter what he did or didn’t do in life, he will always have a safe place in my heart.”

Another wrote: “Growing up as a teenager on a small island in cold, northern Norway in the 90s watching Anthony and his true racing grit and talent on TV, made such an impression on me that left a mark I carried with me for the rest of my life. To see his rivals speak with such fondness and respect of him made it just so much better being in awe of him. Please find comfort he was truly a special one, and he was yours.”

Messages have have come from all corners of the world, some sharing similar stories.

“I knew Anthony well and competed against him for many years and immensely enjoyed his company off the track. Also, I have lost a child to addiction,” one user wrote.

January 11:

The family released a statement about his condition.

Motorcycle racing - Winfield Honda Racing rider Anthony Gobert in race 1 of the fifth round of the Australian superbike championships at Mallala, 16 May 1993.

The statement posted on Wednesday via Facebook said: “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.”

The family said updates would be provided when available.

Aust motor cycle racer Anthony Gobert. p/

“During this difficult time, the videos of Anthony being distributed during what has been an extremely troubled period of his life are deeply concerning,” the post read.

“However, on behalf of Anthony, we must thank his many supporters from throughout his racing career.”

It is unclear what illness Gobert has been suffering from.

500cc motorcycle rider Anthony Gobert falls from his Suzuki during Jul 05 1997 qualifying session of San Marino Grand Prix in Imola Motorcycle Racing / Accidents o/seas sport italy

The 48-year-old competed between 1994 and 2006 including Grand Prix motorcycle seasons (1997,99 and 2006) and seven seasons of the Superbike World Championships, racing alongside fellow Aussie greats Mick Doohan and Casey Stoner.

He podium-placed in rounds around the world: Australia, England, Austria and the United States.

One of Gobert’s most notable achievements came early in his career, winning the final leg of the 1994 SWC season at Philip Island, Australia.

He became the youngest ever race winner in World Superbike history, just 19 years old at the time.

The record has since been broken by 18-year-old Yuichi Takeda in 1996.

Gobert has an extensive history of drug and alcohol abuse, including losing his ride with the Suzuki factory 500cc Grand Prix team in 1997 after failing a drug test.

Gobert fell further into substance abuse following the death of his then girlfriend Suni Dixon in 2004.

In 2006 he admitted to being a heroin addict while standing trial for driving with an expired licence, and 2008 Gobert was convicted of robbing a 70-year-old pensioner and a 31-year-old woman for which he landed behind bars.

Southport Watch House Anthony Gobert leaves watch house.

It was during this time Aaron Gobert lost contact with his older brother.

“The last time I saw him, he was sitting in a prison cell and found out about our father’s death.

“He missed the funeral,” Gobert said at the time.

Originally published as ‘Truly a special one’: Flowing tributes from fans following death of former Australian Grand Prix road racer