Audun Groenvold, a renowned Olympic skier from Norway, has died at the age of 49 after being struck by lightning, according to a statement released by the Norwegian Ski Federation on Wednesday. The federation announced that Groenvold was hit by the lightning during a trip to a cabin and was subsequently taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Tove Moe Dyrhaug, president of the federation, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, "Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the alpine and freestyle communities. There will be a big void after Audun.” He was known for his exceptional achievements, including winning a bronze medal in men’s ski cross at the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver.
Before transitioning to freestyle and ski cross, Groenvold was a member of the national Alpine ski team. He had notable successes throughout his career, including a third-place finish in a downhill race at the World Cup in Sierra Nevada, Spain, in 1999, as well as securing a bronze medal in ski cross at the 2005 World Championships and clinching the overall ski cross cup in 2007.
Upon retiring from skiing, Groenvold took on new roles as a national team coach and television commentator. According to reports from the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, Groenvold had decided to step back from competition after the 2010 Olympics due to ongoing physical troubles that included issues with his knee, elbow, and neck.
His wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, shared her heartbreak on Facebook, mourning her "great love and best friend for twenty years." She recounted their summer vacation that took a tragic turn, stating, “What started with a lovely summer vacation ended with you being struck by lightning while we were out at our cabin.” She expressed that the enormity of his loss was profound, and he leaves behind not only her but also their three children, as noted by NRK.
Tove Moe Dyrhaug, president of the federation, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, "Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the alpine and freestyle communities. There will be a big void after Audun.” He was known for his exceptional achievements, including winning a bronze medal in men’s ski cross at the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver.
Before transitioning to freestyle and ski cross, Groenvold was a member of the national Alpine ski team. He had notable successes throughout his career, including a third-place finish in a downhill race at the World Cup in Sierra Nevada, Spain, in 1999, as well as securing a bronze medal in ski cross at the 2005 World Championships and clinching the overall ski cross cup in 2007.
Upon retiring from skiing, Groenvold took on new roles as a national team coach and television commentator. According to reports from the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, Groenvold had decided to step back from competition after the 2010 Olympics due to ongoing physical troubles that included issues with his knee, elbow, and neck.
His wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, shared her heartbreak on Facebook, mourning her "great love and best friend for twenty years." She recounted their summer vacation that took a tragic turn, stating, “What started with a lovely summer vacation ended with you being struck by lightning while we were out at our cabin.” She expressed that the enormity of his loss was profound, and he leaves behind not only her but also their three children, as noted by NRK.
