Olympic skier dies after lightning strike on holiday

Norwegian Olympic bronze medallist Audun Grønvold has died after being struck by lightning while on vacation with his family. He was 49.

Grønvold, a former professional freestyle skier and Alpine racer, earned a bronze medal for Norway in ski cross at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Before turning to freestyle skiing, he competed as part of Norway’s national Alpine skiing team, winning back-to-back downhill golds at the Norwegian National Championships in 2003 and 2004.

After retiring from competition shortly after his Olympic success, Grønvold remained closely involved in the sport as a national team coach and TV commentator, according to CNN.

Tragedy struck while Grønvold was spending time at a cabin with his wife and their three children. He was hit by lightning and rushed to hospital, but despite emergency treatment, he died on Tuesday, July 15.

The Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed his passing in a statement the following day. “It is with great sadness that we have received the news of Audun Grønvold’s untimely passing,” the federation said.

“The former national alpine skier and ski cross athlete was recently struck by lightning during a cabin trip,” the statement continued. “He was quickly taken to hospital and received treatment for the injuries he sustained in the lightning strike but sadly succumbed to his injuries.”

Federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug paid tribute to Grønvold, calling him a key figure in Norwegian skiing. “Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure,” Dyrhaug said. “His passing leaves a huge void.”

Grønvold’s wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook reflecting on her loss. “Audun, my great love and my best friend for twenty years… today you left us,” she wrote on Facebook, as reported by NRK.

“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,” she added. “Sanna, Selma, William and I will carry you with us in our hearts. The loss of you is enormous.”

Fellow Norwegian skier and Olympic legend Kjetil André Aamodt also shared his grief. “It’s just terribly tragic and a sad message to receive,” he told NRK. “It was a sudden and far too early death, so it’s very brutal.”

Aamodt added that Grønvold stood out even among elite athletes: “He was one of the fastest and most agile athletes measured in tests at the Olympic summit.”

Grønvold is remembered not only for his accomplishments on the slopes but also for his dedication to the sport after retirement, and for the deep love he shared with his family.