Former Olympic medallist Audun Groenvold is died on Tuesday after being struck by lightning on a family holiday.
The 49-year-old Norwegian was reportedly struck by lightning on a trip to the family’s cabin on July 12. He was taken to hospital and died later, leaving behind his wife and three children.
Groenvold won bronze for Norway at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver in ski cross and was national champion in both alpine and freestyle skiing.
His wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, posted a tribute on Facebook, via NRK, which read: ‘Audun, my great love and my best friend for twenty years… today you left us.
‘What started with a lovely summer vacation ended last Saturday with you being struck by lightning while we were out at our cabin.
‘Although you quickly received treatment and were taken to hospital, you died from your injuries last night.
‘Sanna, Selma, William and I will carry you with us in our hearts. The loss of you is enormous.’
Norwegian Ski Association president Tove Moe Dyrhaug issued a statement, which read: ‘Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the alpine and freestyle communities.
‘Audun had a great career in both alpine skiing and ski cross, before becoming the national ski cross coach.
‘The Norwegian Ski Association also remembers his efforts on the ski board. There will be a big void after Audun.’
Groenvold retired from competition in 2010 after capturing an Olympic medal, with injury issues mounting up.
He became a coach of the Norwegian national ski cross team and went on to become a commentator on his sport.
Marius Arnesen, a former speed coach for the Norwegian alpine skiing team, who worked with Groenvold, told VG: ‘It’s just terribly sad and tragic.
‘A thoughtful and wonderful boy who, when it comes to skiing, had a fantastic feeling for the surface in the snow.
‘My thoughts go out to the entire Groenvold family. It’s simply terrible.’
Finn Aamodt, who worked with Groenvold at the rest of the Olympic team leading up to Vancouver, told VG: ‘I remember Audun as a person who knew so much. Both in terms of skiing, but also in many other things.
‘He was very versatile. He had great success switching from alpine skiing to ski cross, which is quite different
‘Audun was not only easy to work with. He was demanding at times. But you have to be in top sport. You have to demand something from those around you for it to work optimally. I understood him very well.
‘It is completely unreal that such things can happen. It is terribly tragic.’
