Audun Grønvold has died at the age of 49. © AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU

Shock in Norway: Olympian dies after being struck by lightning

An Olympic medalist from Norway has died from a lightning strike. The winter sports scene is in shock.

July 16, 2025

From: leo

As Norwegian media unanimously reported on Wednesday, Audun Grønvold died from lightning injuries in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday at the age of 49. Grønvold leaves behind his wife Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå and their three children.

"Audun, my great love and best friend of twenty years. Today you left us. What began as a wonderful summer vacation ended last Saturday when you were struck by lightning while we were outside at our cabin. Although you were quickly treated and taken to the hospital, you succumbed to your injuries during the night," Tandberg Haugsjå wrote on social media.

An incredible career

"We will miss him. Audun was always in a good mood and always had a saying ready. This is hard and unreal," said ski legend Kjetil André Aamodt, who knew Grønvold for over 30 years, to the broadcaster TV2.

Audun Grønvold is dead. © AFP / MARTIN BUREAU

Grønvold had a remarkable career during his playing days. The Norwegian competed in the Ski World Cup until 2009. In 83 races, the speed specialist climbed onto the podium once – in 1999, finishing third in the downhill in Sierra Nevada. He began competing in the Ski Cross World Cup in 2004. He achieved three victories and also won bronze medals at the 2005 World Championships in Ruka and the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. Just a few weeks after his coup in Canada, he ended his remarkable career and became a father for the first time.

"You left a great mark on alpine skiing and freestyle. The bronze medal in ski cross at the 2010 Olympic Games will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with Audun's family, friends, and everyone close to him," the Norwegian Ski Association wrote.