Norwegian ski cross star and Olympic medalist Audun Groenvold has passed away at the age of 49 after being struck by lightning, the Norwegian Ski Federation announced on Wednesday.
Groenvold, who earned a bronze medal in ski cross at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, was reportedly struck by lightning during a cabin trip and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on Tuesday night.
“It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of Audun Groenvold’s sudden passing,” the federation said in a statement. “The former national Alpine and ski cross athlete was recently injured in a lightning strike and received medical treatment, but tragically, he did not survive.”
Before transitioning to ski cross, Groenvold was a member of Norway’s national Alpine ski team. His most notable Alpine achievement came in 1999 when he secured a podium finish by placing third in a World Cup downhill event in Sierra Nevada, Spain.
In freestyle skiing, Groenvold made a significant mark, winning a bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships and clinching the overall ski cross World Cup title in 2007.
Following his competitive career, he continued to contribute to the sport as a national team coach and later as a television commentator, remaining closely involved with the skiing community.
Tove Moe Dyrhaug, president of the Norwegian Ski Federation, paid tribute to Groenvold, saying, “Norwegian skiing has lost a key figure who has contributed immensely to both the Alpine and freestyle skiing communities. His death leaves a huge void.”
Groenvold is remembered as one of Norway’s most versatile and accomplished skiers, admired not only for his athletic achievements but also for his leadership and dedication to the sport.
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