Mountain climber Laura Dahlmeier perishes during an ascent
German Biathlon Star Laura Dahlmeier Dies in Mountaineering Accident
Laura Dahlmeier, a double Olympic champion and former biathlete, has tragically passed away in a rockslide while mountaineering at the Laila Peak in the Pakistani Karakorum range. The news was confirmed by Dahlmeier's management.
Born and raised in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Dahlmeier was an experienced and risk-aware mountaineer. She was a state-certified mountain and ski guide, an active member of the mountain rescue service at home, and a passionate advocate for environmental protection and sustainability.
In the world of biathlon, Dahlmeier made history at the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang. She became the next German biathlon star after Magdalena Neuner, winning gold in the sprint and pursuit, and bronze in the individual event. In the same season, she also clinched the overall World Cup.
Dahlmeier's impressive biathlon career saw her win a total of 20 World Cup races and five gold and one silver medals at the 2017 World Championships in Hochfilzen. However, it was her love for the mountains that truly defined her. She set records on various mountains, including the 6,814-meter-high Ama Dablam in Nepal and the legendary Eiger North Face.
Prior to her death, Dahlmeier had a fall while climbing in the Zugspitzmassiv in August 2014. She suffered a broken ankle, a torn ligament in the ankle, and several bruises. Despite this setback, she continued to pursue her mountaineering passion.
Dahlmeier's love for her home in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and her family was evident. She was featured in a ZDF documentary, expressing her thoughts on the dangers of the risky sport and the impact of past incidents on her.
The rescue operation was called off as per Dahlmeier's "explicit and written wish" to leave her body on the mountain in such a case. The rockslide occurred at around 5,700 meters on Monday afternoon, but no one could approach her due to continuous rockfall danger.
In a tragic twist, Dahlmeier's ex-boyfriend died in an avalanche accident in Patagonia at the beginning of January 2022. After her retirement from biathlon at the age of 25, citing a desire for a life on her own terms and a dislike for a 9-to-5 job, Dahlmeier became a TV expert for ZDF but never pursued a permanent job with the German Ski Association.
Laura Dahlmeier's impact on both biathlon and mountaineering will be felt for years to come. She was a true athlete, a passionate mountaineer, and a dedicated environmentalist. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she inspired.
General-news outlets reported an accident in the world of mountaineering, taking the life of sports star Laura Dahlmeier, who had a successful career in biathlon. Despite her tragic death in a rockslide at the Laila Peak, Dahlmeier's love for the mountains and her dedication to environmental protection will continue to inspire others in the sports community.
