Legendary Norwegian skier and Olympic medalist Audun Grønvold dies at 49 after lightning strike during mountain cabin trip Audun Grønvold, an Olympic bronze medalist and former ski cross champion from Norway, has died at the age of 49 after being struck by lightning during a cabin trip, the Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed Wednesday(July 16). The incident occurred over the weekend while Grønvold was on a holiday outing in the mountains. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he received medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries late Tuesday night, July 15.Grønvold was a prominent figure in both alpine skiing and ski cross. He initially competed as a member of Norway’s national alpine team, securing a World Cup podium in downhill in Sierra Nevada, Spain, in 1999. After transitioning to freestyle ski cross, he quickly rose to the top ranks of the sport. He captured bronze in ski cross at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the first time the event appeared in the Olympic program. Grønvold had previously won a bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships and claimed the overall ski cross World Cup title in 2007.Following his career, Grønvold remained deeply involved in skiing. He served as a national team coach, a member of the Norwegian Ski Federation board, and a television commentator, widely respected for his insight and commitment to the sport.Live EventsHis story from alpine prodigy to Olympic medalist to devoted coach made him a household name in the winter sports community.“It is with great sadness that we have received the news of Audun Grønvold’s untimely passing,” the Norwegian Ski Federation said in a statement. “Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the alpine and freestyle communities.”Tove Moe Dyrhaug, president of the federation, described his passing as leaving “a huge void,” highlighting his legacy not just as an athlete but as a mentor and role model for younger generations. Former teammates and international athletes remembered him for his discipline, kindness, and enduring impact on the sport.He is survived by his wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, and their three children. In a public Facebook post, Haugsjå wrote, “Audun, my great love and best friend for 20 years. The void you leave is immense.”(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onAudun GrønvoldNorwegian Ski Federation2010 Winter Olympicsolympicsalpine skiingfreestyle ski crossOlympic ski cross medalistskiingOlympicOlympic gold (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onAudun GrønvoldNorwegian Ski Federation2010 Winter Olympicsolympicsalpine skiingfreestyle ski crossOlympic ski cross medalistskiingOlympicOlympic gold(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless Explore More Stories123