The sporting world has paid tribute to Steven Holcomb ©Getty Images

International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) President Ivo Ferriani has paid tribute to the "talented" and "respected" Steven Holcomb after the American Olympic champion's death.

Holcomb was discovered to have died in his room at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid in New York, the United States Olympic Committee confirmed yesterday.

He was only 37-years-old.

"The IBSF family mourns the death of Steven Holcomb," Ferriani, also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said. 

"Our thoughts are with his family, team mates and the US Federation. 

"Steven was not just a very talented pilot but a very well respected athlete. 

"His politeness and respect to anybody on the track was so typical for him. 

"He will always be remembered not only for his sports achievements but also for his way of touching the hearts of our fans and spectators. 

"We will truly miss him."

IOC President Thomas Bach also paid tribute to Holcomb, who piloted the US to four-man gold at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

"Steven Holcomb was a sporting legend," the German said according to a Tweet from the IOC media account.

"He was hugely appreciated by his fellow competitors and everybody in Olympic sport."

No further information is currently available regarding Holcomb's death.

He also won two-man and four-man bronze at the Sochi 2014 Olympics, as well as five World Championship gold medals.

He won six overall titles on the IBSF World Cup circuit, where he won 60 medals in all.

His remarkable career came despite an eye condition which effected his vision. 

Fellow American bobsleigh athlete Elana Meyers Taylor was among others to pay tribute to Holcomb.

"My heart hurts so much," tweeted the double Olympic medallist and quadruple world champion.

"I will forever miss you Steve Holcomb. 

"Thank you for being in my life."