Camilla Jessen
Norwegian Olympic medallist dies after being struck by lightning. He was 49.
Audun Grønvold, one of Norway’s most accomplished skiers and a bronze medallist in ski cross at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, has died after being struck by lightning.
He was vacationing with his wife and children at a cabin when the tragic accident occurred.
Despite emergency treatment, Grønvold passed away on Tuesday, July 15.
The Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed his death in a statement.
“It is with great sadness that we have received the news of Audun Grønvold’s untimely passing,” the federation wrote.
A Career That Spanned Disciplines
Grønvold began his career as an alpine skier and made his mark early by winning consecutive downhill gold medals at the Norwegian National Championships in 2003 and 2004.
He later transitioned to freestyle skiing, where he became one of Norway’s top competitors in the ski cross discipline.
His crowning achievement came in 2010, when he won Olympic bronze in Vancouver—Norway’s first Olympic medal in men’s ski cross.
After retiring from competition, Grønvold remained active in the sport as a national team coach and television commentator, according to CNN.
A Sudden Loss
The lightning strike occurred during a relaxing summer vacation with his family.
His wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, shared a tribute on Facebook following his death.
“Audun, my great love and my best friend for twenty years… today you left us,” she wrote.
“What started with a lovely summer vacation ended last Saturday with you being struck by lightning while we were out at our cabin. Although you quickly received treatment and were taken to hospital, you died from your injuries last night. Sanna, Selma, William and I will carry you with us in our hearts. The loss of you is enormous.”
The news of Grønvold’s passing has shocked the skiing world.
Norwegian Ski Federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug called him “a prominent figure” and said his absence would leave “a huge void.”
Olympic legend Kjetil André Aamodt also expressed his sorrow.
“It’s just terribly tragic and a sad message to receive,” Aamodt told NRK. “It was a sudden and far too early death, so it’s very brutal.” He added that Grønvold’s athleticism was exceptional even among elite skiers: “He was one of the fastest and most agile athletes measured in tests at the Olympic summit.”
He is survived by his wife Kristin and their three children, Sanna, Selma, and William.
