Athletic star Audun Groenvold, Olympic ski cross medalist from Norway, succumbs to his injuries following a lightning strike.
Audun Groenvold, a prominent figure in Norwegian skiing, has tragically passed away at the age of 49. The Norwegian ski federation announced Groenvold's death on Wednesday, following a fatal incident during a cabin trip where he was struck by lightning[1][2][3].
Groenvold, who won a bronze medal at the 2010 Vancouver Games and the overall ski cross cup in 2007, was a member of Norway's Alpine skiing team. His career highlights also included a podium finish as a World Cup Alpine skier, finishing third in a downhill in Sierra Nevada, Spain, in 1999, and winning a bronze medal in ski cross at the 2005 world championships[4][5].
After his competitive career ended, Groenvold became a TV commentator and later a national team coach. His contributions to both the Alpine and freestyle communities were significant, leaving a void that is hard to fill[6][7].
Federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug expressed her condolences over Groenvold's passing, describing him as a valued member of the Norwegian skiing family[8]. The Norwegian ski federation, along with the wider skiing community, is mourning the loss of such a talented and respected individual[9].
[1] https://www.bbc.com/sport/winter-sports/57258475 [2] https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/norwegian-ski-cross-medalist-audun-groenvold-dies-lightning-strike-2021-08-11/ [3] https://www.nbcsports.com/winter-olympics/news/norwegian-ski-cross-medalist-audun-groenvold-dies-after-lightning-strike [4] https://www.olympic.org/audun-groenvold [5] https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/gr/audun-groenvold-1.html [6] https://www.thelocal.no/20210812/norwegian-ski-cross-medalist-audun-groenvold-dies-in-lightning-strike [7] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/11/sports/olympics/audun-groenvold-dead.html [8] https://www.nbcsports.com/winter-olympics/news/norwegian-ski-cross-medalist-audun-groenvold-dies-after-lightning-strike [9] https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/aug/11/audun-groenvold-norwegian-ski-cross-medalist-dies-after-lightning-strike-at-49
Groenvold, despite retiring from competition, continued to make significant contributions to sports by becoming a TV commentator and later a national team coach. His passing has left a void in both the Alpine and freestyle skiing communities, as he was a respected and talented individual.
