The EOC expresses its sincere condolences to her family, friends, the global biathlon family and the Olympic community in Germany, following the tragic death of Laura Dahlmeier.
Dahlmeier was a two-time Olympic gold medallist in biathlon, winning a famous Women’s 7.5km Sprint and 10km Pursuit double at PyeongChang 2018, in addition to a bronze in the 15km Individual. She made history by becoming the first female biathlete to win both the sprint and pursuit events at the same Olympic Games.
She was also a seven-time World Champion, winning three gold medals at the 2011 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Liberec, Czechia.
Dahlmeier tragically lost her life at the age of 31 in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan.
EOC President Spyros Capralos expressed the EOC’s shock and sadness following Dahlmeier’s passing.
“On behalf of the EOC, I would like to express our shock and sadness following the passing of Laura Dahlmeier, a great Olympic Champion,” President Capralos said.
“Laura’s talent was evident when she emerged as one of the stars of the Winter EYOF Liberec 2011, and she went on to achieve remarkable feats in the sport of biathlon, not least with two golds at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.
“Her legacy will remain forever, and all of our thoughts are with her family, friends and those closest to her.”
IOC President Kirsty Coventry also paid tribute to Dahlmeier.
“The news about the passing of two-time Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier in a terrible mountaineering accident is deeply shocking for all of us in the Olympic Movement. She lost her life in her beloved mountains,” President Coventry said.
“Laura made history at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics as the first female biathlete to win sprint and pursuit gold at the same Games edition. She will be remembered forever. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.”
The wider Olympic Movement mourns the loss of an exceptional Olympic Champion. She will never be forgotten.
