Shock after Fanchini's death: “We cried together”

The news that Italy's former downhill vice world champion succumbed to cancer at the age of just 37, spread like wildfire in the two World Cup locations of Méribel and Courchevel on Wednesday evening. There were hardly any reactions at first, the shock was far too deep. Meanwhile, numerous former colleagues expressed their condolences on social networks. “In our eyes you can see the tears and sadness of the entire ski world,” wrote the Swiss woman Michelle Gisin. Even for Mikaela Shiffrin her silver medal win in the Super-G on Wednesday took a backseat. “It was such an emotional day, I could share so much with you. The only thing that really matters now is Elena's death." Shiffrin and her teammates share the same hotel with Italy's selection in Méribel. “We are like a family here. My heart goes out to the Italian team. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the Italians, even more than usual,” said the American ski superstar. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the Italians, even more than usual.” Mikaela Shiffrin Shiffrin himself noticed how much the sad news affected the Azzurre. Marta Bassino's second Italian gold medal at this World Cup was only of secondary importance; the newly crowned world champion and her teammates withdrew completely on Wednesday. Only after Thursday's training, which all the starters from Italy tackled with a scare of mourning Sofia Goggia express their feelings. “It was just terrible news. We all hugged each other and cried together. We would like to convey our full condolences to her family,” said Goggia. Looking ahead to the next World Championship race, she said: “We will put everything into the downhill, Elena would have wanted it that way too. She will give us another boost.” Mourning also in South Tyrol It wasn't just the World Cup participants who showed deep sadness. Nadia Delago wrote on her social media account: “There are just no words.” South Tyrol's ex-skiers reacted similarly Johanna Schnarf and Verena Stuffer, who competed in the World Cup with Elena Fanchini for a long time. She was also one of her long-time companions Lindsey Vonn, who spoke online of “an enormous loss for the entire family and ski community”. Sweden's ski legend Anja Pärson was also deeply shocked. The death of Elena Fanchini not only affected the ski circus, but the entire sports world. Italy's football club Inter wrote in an official statement: “Dear Elena, we will remember your smile, with us in the stadium or skiing in your beloved mountains.” There were also condolences from the Italian Winter Sports Federation, the National Olympic Committee and politicians.

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Shock after Fanchini's death: “We cried together”

Even one day after the death of Elena Fanchini, the consternation at the Ski World Championships is still huge. Countless sports greats express their condolences; the Italian ski team in Méribel was hit particularly hard.

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