Norwegian Olympic ski cross medalist Audun Grønvold has died at age 49 after being struck by lightning during a cabin trip on July 16, 2025. Despite immediate medical attention, he passed away that night, according to the Norwegian Ski Federation.
Grønvold, born in Hamar, Norway, began his skiing career in alpine competition before switching to ski cross. He made history by winning bronze at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the overall Ski Cross World Cup title in 2007. He later became a coach and NRK sports commentator, admired for his insight and passion.
“Skiing in Norway has lost a major figure,” said federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug. “There will be a great void after Audun.”
His hometown clubs, where he first learned to ski, praised his humility and dedication to mentoring young athletes. His tragic death comes just months after the skiing world also mourned Ellery Curtis, a rising U.S. ski star, who died in a separate accident in April. Grønvold’s legacy lives on through both his achievements and the lives he touched.
