German biathlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier died Monday in a climbing accident. She was 31.
Dahlmeier’s death was confirmed by her team in a post on Instagram. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) also confirmed Dahlmeier’s death in a statement to CNN.
“The DOSB and the whole of German sport mourn the loss of Laura Dahlmeier,” Thomas Weikert, president of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, said in a statement to CNN Sports. “We are deeply shocked by the sudden and much too early death of this wonderful person. Our thoughts are with her family and friends and we will offer our support wherever we can.
“Laura was a role model and inspiration to so many of us in and out of sport. She always had clear goals in mind and pursued her dreams.”
Dahlmeier was reportedly struck by a falling rock while climbing Laila Peak in Pakistan on Monday. Her climbing partner, Marina Eva, sent out a distress signal, but helicopters could not be dispatched due to low visibility and poor weather, per CNN. Helicopters were unable to reach the scene of the accident until Tuesday.
Dahlmeier competed in both the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics. She did not medal in 2014, but made a name for herself in 2018, when she became the first woman to win the biathlon sprint and pursuit events during a single Olympics. Dahlmeier also won a bronze medal in the 15km individual event in 2018.
Prior to the 2018 Olympics, Dahlmeier dominated at the Biathlon World Championships, securing five gold medals at the 2017. She won two additional golds at the World Championships, one in 2015 and one in 2016.
In 2019, Dahlmeier retired from biathlon at 25.
Following her retirement, Dahlmeier wrote a children’s book, served as a biathlon commentator in Germany and competed in mountain running.
