Tragic death! Lightning kills Olympic bronze medallist
Norwegian Olympic ski cross medalist Audun Groenvold has died at the age of 49 after being struck by lightning, the Norwegian Ski Federation announced on Wednesday.
Groenvold, who won a bronze medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, was reportedly struck during a cabin trip.
'It is with great sadness that we have received the news of Audun Groenvold's untimely passing,' the federation said in a statement. 'The former national Alpine skier and ski cross athlete was recently struck by lightning during a cabin trip.'
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He was rushed to hospital and received medical treatment for injuries caused by the strike but succumbed on Tuesday night.
Groenvold started his career as a member of Norway's Alpine skiing team, earning a World Cup podium with a third-place finish in the downhill event at Sierra Nevada, Spain, in 1999.
He later transitioned to freestyle skiing, winning a bronze in ski cross at the 2005 World Championships and capturing the overall ski cross World Cup title in 2007.
After retiring from competition, he remained involved in the sport as a national team coach and television commentator.
'Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the Alpine and freestyle communities,' said federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug. 'His passing leaves a huge void.'
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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