Olympic Champion Laura Dahlmeier Dies in Tragic Mountaineering Accident in Pakistan

• Two-time Olympic gold medallist Laura Dahlmeier has died following a mountaineering accident in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountains
• The 31-year-old biathlon legend was caught in a deadly rockfall during an expedition, with rescue efforts hampered by severe weather conditions
• Her death comes amid a tragic month in sport, following the recent passing of South African rower Kerry Gruding and rugby icon Des van Jaarsveldt

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Laura Dahlmeier died in a tragic mountaineering accident on Monday, 28 July, while climbing in Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. Dahlmeier, 31, was caught in a deadly rockfall, and poor weather hampered rescue efforts.

On Wednesday, Dahlmeier’s management confirmed her passing in a statement posted on her official Instagram account, which read:

“It was Laura’s clear and written wish that in an instance such as this, no one should risk their own lives to rescue her. Her wish was that, in this case, her body should be left behind on the mountain. This is also in line with the expressed wishes of the relatives, who have requested Laura's last wishes be respected.”

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The German Olympic Sports Confederation paid tribute to Dahlmeier, stating she was “more than an Olympic champion, she was someone with heart, attitude and vision.”

Watch the video below:

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry called the news “deeply shocking for all of us in the Olympic movement,” adding:

“She lost her life in her beloved mountains. She will be remembered forever.”

See the tweet below:

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described Dahlmeier as an “ambassador for our country around the world and a role model for peaceful, joyful and fair coexistence across borders.”

Dahlmeier was an experienced mountaineer and one of Germany’s most decorated winter sports athletes.

See the tweet below:

She competed at two Winter Olympic Games and made history at Pyeong Chang 2018, becoming the first woman to win both the sprint and pursuit biathlon events at the same Olympics. She also claimed a bronze medal at those Games.

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In addition, she secured 15 medals at World Championships, including seven golds, before retiring from competition in May 2019 to focus on her environmental studies and her passion for mountaineering.

How have netizens reacted to Dahlmeier's death?

Tributes have poured in online:

@ramavatar_x:

"Truly heartbreaking news. Laura Dahlmeier was not only a remarkable athlete but also an enduring source of inspiration. Her passion for the mountains and sport was unmatched. Deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who admired her. 🕊️"

@rtsalisbury36:

"😭"

@BayernAgnish:

"RIP 😢"

@Ayda_FieldsUK:

"Rest in peace."

@WBell42427:

"💔"

@Nils78205008:

"I hope they cover her body on the mountaintop. Rest in peace. 🙏"

@lfctez18:

"Sending love and light to her loved ones."

@SKatelbach5458:

"RIP, dear Laura. ❤️😥 You were one of the greatest sportswomen we've ever seen. I watched every race of yours. You then followed your dreams, mountaineering your way to freedom and finding Heimat. May your star shine brightly in heaven."

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See the tweet below:

Sporting icons who have passed away in July

The month of July has seen several deaths among prominent sporting personalities and icons. This follows the tragic and sad passing over the weekend of promising young South African rower Kerry Gruding, who died in a cycling accident.

Last week, the South African Rugby Union was mourning the death of former Springboks captain Des van Jaarsveldt.

Late Joost’s wife pays tribute 8 years after his passing

Briefly News also reported that Amor Vittone recently paid tribute to her late husband, Joost van der Westhuizen, eight years after his death.

Her heartfelt social media post sparked a range of reactions across South Africa as fans and fellow South Africans remembered the rugby legend.

Source: Briefly News