The Olympic medalist tragically passed away after being struck by lightning.
Norwegian alpine skier and ski-cross athlete Audun Groenvold was hit by lightning while on a “cabin trip,” as announced by the Norwegian ski federation on Wednesday. He was 49 years old.
“It’s incredibly sad to hear that Audun Groenvold has left us too soon,” the federation shared. “The former national alpine skier and ski cross competitor was recently struck while traveling.”
Groenvold was reportedly taken to the hospital quickly after the incident and, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries late Tuesday night. The lightning strike occurred on Saturday.
Before shifting to freestyle and ski cross in 2004, Groenvold was part of the Norwegian Alpine ski team. He won a bronze medal during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Furthermore, he achieved a podium finish as a World Cup Alpine skier, securing third place in 1999 at Sierra Nevada, Spain. He also earned a bronze medal in ski cross at the 2005 World Championships and won the overall Ski Cross Cup in 2007.
After retiring, he transitioned to coaching the national team and commenting on television.
According to Federal President Tove Mo Dilhaug, “Norwegian skiing has lost a significant figure, someone who meant a great deal to both the alpine and freestyle communities.” The impact of his passing will be deeply felt.
Groenvold finished behind Austrian athletes Michael Schmidt and Andreas Matt during the Vancouver games. He began racing at a remarkably young age, competing in his first event at just three years old. He earned his first Alpine Ski World Cup points in 1996, shortly before turning 21.
Throughout his career in the Freestyle Ski World Cup across Europe, Groenvold celebrated three victories—two in 2007 within a month and one in 2010.
