ZDF is in mourning over the demise of Laura Dahlmeier.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, renowned German biathlon expert Laura Dahlmeier has passed away in a climbing accident in the Pakistani Karakorum mountain range. The incident occurred on July 28, 2025, at the Laila Peak, located at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters.
Dahlmeier, who joined the ZDF sports team as a biathlon expert in December 2019, brought the sport to the ZDF audience in an informed and authentic way. Her dedication, knowledge, and passion for the sport made her a highly respected colleague at ZDF.
Before her retirement from professional biathlon in May 2019 at the age of 25, Dahlmeier achieved remarkable success. She won two Olympic gold medals at the PyeongChang 2018 Games, becoming the first female biathlete to win both the 7.5 km Sprint and 10 km Pursuit events at the same Olympics. She also earned a bronze medal in the 15 km Individual race.
In 2017, Dahlmeier made history by becoming the first biathlete to win five gold medals at a single World Championships. She amassed a total of 15 World Championship medals during her career and claimed the overall World Cup title in the 2016-17 season.
Post-retirement, Dahlmeier focused on mountaineering. One of her notable climbs was the Great Trango Tower (6,287 m) in July 2025. However, tragedy struck on Laila Peak, where Dahlmeier lost her life in a rockslide while rappelling during descent.
The ZDF Sports Director, Yorck Polus, mourns the loss of this exceptional athlete and expresses his deep sympathy to Laura Dahlmeier's family and friends. The climbing accident has left a deep sense of shock and sadness within the Olympic community and beyond.
Tonight, ZDF will air a portrait of Laura Dahlmeier after the "heute journal" at 22:15. The photograph accompanying the article is of ZDF mourning Laura Dahlmeier, taken by Maik Floeder.
Laura Dahlmeier's legacy will be remembered with gratitude. She was one of the most successful biathletes internationally, with two Olympic gold medals, 33 World Cup victories, numerous World Championship medals, and the overall World Cup win in 2016/2017. Her spirit and passion for sports will continue to inspire many.
Our thoughts are with Laura Dahlmeier's family and friends during this difficult time.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Nationality | German | | Biathlon Olympic Wins | 2 gold (Sprint & Pursuit, 2018), 1 bronze (15 km) | | World Championships | 5 golds in 2017 alone; 15 total in career | | World Cup | Overall champion 2016-17 | | Retirement | 2019, at age 25 | | Post-retirement focus | Mountaineering | | Significant climbs | Great Trango Tower (6,287 m, July 2025) | | Cause of death | Fatal rockfall accident while climbing Laila Peak, Pakistan, July 2025 |
Despite her successful biathlon career, Laura Dahlmeier's passion for sports extended to other sports as well, with her post-retirement focus being mountaineering. Her climbing adventures included a notable ascent of the Great Trango Tower in July 2025.
