The world of sport and mountaineering is mourning the loss of Laura Dahlmeier, the celebrated German biathlete and Olympic champion, who has died in an accident in the Karakoram mountain range of Pakistan. Her management confirmed the tragic news on Wednesday.
Dahlmeier, 31, a certified mountain and ski guide, was climbing the Laila Peak, reaching an altitude of 6,069 meters (20,236 feet), alongside her climbing partner on Monday when they were struck by a rockfall. The ongoing instability of the slope, compounded by subsequent rockfall danger, initially prevented rescue teams from reaching her. A complex international rescue operation initiated on Tuesday was interrupted, while adverse weather conditions hampered helicopter deployments. According to her management, the recovery of her remains is currently not feasible.
Born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, Dahlmeier achieved international fame for her accomplishments in biathlon. She secured gold medals in the 7.5-kilometer sprint and 10-kilometer pursuit races at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, alongside a bronze medal in the 15-kilometer individual race. Over her illustrious career at World Championships, she accumulated a remarkable total of seven gold, three silver and five bronze medals.
