Tragic Loss: Norwegian Olympian Audun Groenvold Killed by Lightning Strike

The skiing community mourns the unexpected loss of Audun Groenvold, a pioneer in freestyle skiing, whose legacy includes a bronze medal win and contributions as a coach.

Audun Groenvold, a 49-year-old skiing legend from Norway, was reported dead this week after being struck by lightning, as revealed by the Norwegian Ski Federation on Wednesday. The incident occurred during a visit to a cabin, leading to his hospitalization, but sadly, he could not be saved. “Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the alpine and freestyle communities,” remarked Tove Moe Dyrhaug, president of the federation. “There will be a big void after Audun.”

Groenvold earned his place in history by securing a bronze medal in men’s ski cross at the 2010 Winter Olympics hosted in Vancouver. Before transitioning to freestyle, Groenvold made waves as a member of the national Alpine ski team. The Associated Press noted that he achieved one podium finish in World Cup Alpine skiing, finishing in third place in a downhill event in Sierra Nevada, Spain, back in 1999. Additionally, he clinched a bronze medal in ski cross at the 2005 world championships and topped the overall ski cross cup rankings in 2007.

After retiring from professional skiing, Groenvold became a national team coach and offered commentary on ski events. Despite his substantial contributions to the sport, his physical health began to decline post-2010 Olympics. Reports from the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation indicated that Groenvold decided to step back from his athletic pursuits after grappling with numerous injuries, including issues with his knee and elbow.

His wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, shared her sorrow on social media, reflecting on their twenty-year journey together, “What started with a lovely summer vacation ended with you being struck by lightning while we were out at our cabin. The loss of you is enormous.” Groenvold leaves behind his wife and their three children, who now face the heartbreaking task of moving forward without their beloved husband and father.