Olympic medallist killed by lightning after being struck during cabin trip
The Norwegian Ski Federation released a statement on Wednesday confirming the heartbreaking news that Groenvold was struck by lightning during a cabin trip and passed away following his admission to hospital.
They said: "It is with great sadness that we have received the news of Audun Groenvold's untimely passing.
"The former national Alpine skier and ski cross athlete was recently struck by lightning during a cabin trip."
Tove Moe Dyrhaug, the federation's president, paid tribute by saying: "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." Audun Groenvold celebrates on the podium at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010 (Image: MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Before making a name for himself in freestyle and ski cross, Groenvold was part of Norway's Alpine skiing team, reports the Mirror. His achievements include a third-place finish in a World Cup Alpine downhill event in Sierra Nevada, Spain, in 1999, as well as clinching bronze medals in ski cross at the 2005 world championships and the ski cross cup two years later.
Following his retirement from competitive skiing, Groenvold continued to contribute to the sport as a national team coach and commentator.
Groenvold's ex-coach, Marius Arnesen, shared with local paper Verdens Gang: "It's just terribly sad and tragic.
"[He was] a thoughtful and wonderful boy who, when it comes to skiing, had a fantastic feeling for the surface in the snow."
Groenvold leaves behind his wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, and their three children.
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