Norwegian Skiing Icon Audun Groenvold Tragically Dies from Lightning Strike

Audun Groenvold, a renowned alpine and freestyle skier from Norway, has tragically died at the age of 49 after being struck by lightning while at a cabin. The Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed his passing in a statement, highlighting his significant contributions to both alpine and freestyle skiing.

Audun Groenvold, part of the elite company of Norwegian ski athletes, tragically lost his life this week due to a lightning strike while vacationing at a cabin, as announced by the Norwegian Ski Federation. Groenvold, 49, was promptly rushed to a hospital following the incident but sadly succumbed to his injuries.

In their heartfelt statement, Tove Moe Dyrhaug, president of the federation, expressed deep sorrow, 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."

Groenvold rose to fame after securing a bronze medal in men’s ski cross at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Initially, he was a member of Norway's national Alpine ski team before transitioning to freestyle and ski cross. Notably, he marked his name in the skiing world with a World Cup podium finish in Sierra Nevada, Spain, in 1999, and also garnered a bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships.

After concluding his competitive skiing career, Groenvold transitioned to coaching the national team and serving as a television commentator. As reported by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, he decided to step back from active competition after the 2010 Olympics due to ongoing injuries affecting his knee, elbow, and neck.

The emotional toll of his passing is evident in the words of Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, Groenvold’s wife. She mourned him on Facebook, sharing her heartbreak over the immense loss of “my great love and my best friend for twenty years.” She recounted their summer vacation, which ended in tragedy with his unforeseen death. Groenvold leaves behind his wife and their three children, marking a profound loss for both his family and the skiing community at large.