Norwegian Olympic skier Audun Groenvold has died after being struck by lightning, the Norwegian Ski Federation announced.
“It is with great sadness that we have received the news of Audun Groenvold’s untimely passing,” the federation said in a statement on Wednesday, July 16. He was 49 years old.
“The former national alpine and ski cross athlete was recently struck by lightning during a cabin trip,” the federation said per PEOPLE. “He was quickly taken to hospital and treated for the injuries he sustained in the lightning strike.”
Audun Grønvold (February 28, 1976 – July 15, 2025) was a highly accomplished Norwegian skier known for his success in both alpine skiing and ski cross. Born in Hamar, Norway, Grønvold began his athletic career as an alpine skier, specializing in downhill events. He competed on the World Cup circuit and earned several top finishes, including a podium in 1999. He was also a multiple-time Norwegian national downhill champion, solidifying his status as one of the country’s top alpine athletes.
In 2004, Grønvold made a bold transition to ski cross, a relatively new and fast-paced discipline that blends elements of alpine racing with motocross-style jumps and head-to-head competition. His move proved successful—he quickly rose to prominence on the World Cup circuit and became one of the sport’s leading figures. In 2007, he won the overall World Cup title in ski cross, confirming his dominance in the sport.
Grønvold’s greatest moment came at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, where ski cross made its Olympic debut. Representing Norway, he earned a bronze medal, becoming one of the first Olympic medalists in the discipline and gaining international recognition for his achievement.
After retiring from competition in 2010, Grønvold continued to contribute to the skiing world. He served as a national coach for Norway’s ski cross team, sat on the board of the Norwegian Ski Federation, and worked as a respected ski analyst and commentator. He remained deeply involved in promoting winter sports in Norway.
.Grønvold is survived by his wife and three children.
