The sports world is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Olympic freestyle skier Audun Groenvold, who tragically passed away after being struck by lightning during a recent trip to a cabin in Norway. He was just 49 years old.
The Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed his passing in a statement released Wednesday, revealing that Groenvold succumbed to his injuries late Tuesday evening.
“Audun was a towering presence in both alpine and freestyle skiing,” said federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug. “He left a lasting legacy… as an elite athlete and later as a national ski cross coach. His contributions on the slopes and behind the scenes will never be forgotten.”
Groenvold made his mark on the international stage with a bronze medal win at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He also earned a world championship bronze in ski cross in 2005 and secured a major victory in the Ski Cross World Cup in 2007.
Beyond the medals, Groenvold was respected as a leader, mentor, and champion of Norwegian skiing. His death leaves a profound void in the global skiing community.
“Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” added Dyrhaug.
