Double Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier has died in a climbing accident aged 31, her administration and the German Olympic Sports activities Confederation (DOSB) confirmed to CNN Sports activities.
The retired German biathlete was struck by falling rocks at round noon native time on Monday whereas climbing Pakistan’s Laila Peak within the Karakoram mountain vary, her crew mentioned on Instagram Tuesday.
“The DOSB and the entire of German sport mourn the lack of Laura Dahlmeier,” Thomas Weikert, President of the German Olympic Sports activities Confederation, mentioned in an announcement to CNN Sports activities. “We’re deeply shocked by the sudden and far too early demise of this excellent particular person. Our ideas are together with her household and mates and we are going to provide our help wherever we are able to.
“Laura was a job mannequin and inspiration to so many people out and in of sport. She at all times had clear objectives in thoughts and pursued her desires.”
A rescue operation started on Monday after Dahlmeier’s climbing companion, Marina Eva, despatched out a misery sign.
However attributable to low visibility and dangerous climate, the rescue operation had been unable to deploy its navy helicopters, mentioned Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the regional Gilgit-Baltistan authorities, per the Related Press.
Dahlmeier’s crew additionally mentioned that the remoteness of the realm meant {that a} rescue helicopter was solely in a position to attain the scene of the accident and observe her on Tuesday morning.
In accordance with an announcement from Dahlmeier’s administration on Wednesday, the biathlete particularly requested that nobody ought to danger their life to rescue her or get well her physique within the occasion of an accident.
“The household wish to specific their heartfelt due to the rescue crew, particularly the native mountaineers,” her administration crew mentioned in Wednesday’s assertion. “They did every part potential to facilitate the rescue and attain the accident sufferer.”
Laura Dahlmeier retired in 2019. – TF-Photos/DeFodi Photos/Getty Photos
Dahlmeier, who’s 31, made historical past on the 2018 Winter Olympics when she grew to become the primary feminine biathlete ever to win gold in each the dash and pursuit occasions on the identical Winter Video games.
That success got here a 12 months after she grew to become the primary biathlete to win 5 gold medals at a single world championship.
She retired from the game in 2019 on the age of 25.
“We are saying goodbye to a beautiful particular person,” her administration crew added in Wednesday’s assertion. “Along with her heat and simple method, Laura enriched our lives and the lives of many others.
“She confirmed us that it’s value preventing in your desires and objectives and at all times staying true to your self. We’re deeply grateful, expensive Laura, that we have been in a position to be part of your life. Our shared reminiscences give us the energy and braveness to proceed on our path.”
DOSB President Weikert additionally paid tribute to the 31-year-old, writing: “Laura Dahlmeier leaves behind a legacy that goes far past medals: her dedication to sport, her ardour for nature and her dedication to society make her an inspiring persona.
“Her story stays. As a daughter, sister, buddy, Olympian and biathlon legend. Laura will without end stay an integral a part of Staff Germany. We are going to miss her.”
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