Two-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier has sadly passed away after a tragic incident while mountain climbing in Pakistan. Dahlmeier, aged 31, was struck by falling rocks in the Karakoram mountains around noon on Monday, according to her management.
The German athlete had retired from professional biathlon at the age of 25 in 2019 to pursue her love for mountaineering. She was at an elevation of approximately 5,700 meters at the time of the accident.
Following the distress signal sent out by Dahlmeier’s climbing partner, Marina Eva, an international team was mobilized to locate her. However, due to the remote location of the accident, a helicopter did not reach the site until the following morning.
Rescue efforts were hampered by the threat of rockfalls, making it challenging for workers to reach the area where Dahlmeier was believed to be. On Wednesday, her management confirmed her passing, stating that based on the severity of her injuries as reported by her climbing partner and the helicopter’s observations, it is assumed that she died instantly.
Due to the risky conditions, including rockfalls and changing weather on Laila Peak, recovering Dahlmeier’s body was deemed unfeasible. Her wish was to be left on the mountain, a request supported by her family. Tributes have poured in for the accomplished athlete, with the German Olympic Sports Confederation and FC Schalke expressing their condolences and honoring Dahlmeier’s legacy.
Laura Dahlmeier made history by winning two gold medals at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, becoming the first female biathlete to achieve this feat in sprint and pursuit events at the same Games. Additionally, she secured a bronze medal in the individual event. After announcing her retirement in May 2019, Dahlmeier leaves behind a remarkable sporting legacy that has deeply impacted many.