Double Olympic biathlon gold medallist Laura Dahlmeier has died in a tragic mountaineering accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, her management confirmed on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old German athlete, renowned for her climbing skills post-retirement, was struck by a sudden rockfall while attempting the summit with a partner at around 5,700 metres altitude on July 28. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the incident occurred in the Hushe Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan. Though her climbing partner survived uninjured, rescue efforts were abandoned due to extreme weather and Dahlmeier’s request not to risk others’ lives for recovery.
Her representatives stated she likely died instantly, and her wish was to remain on the mountain, a decision respected by both her family and team.
Dahlmeier had been in the region since June and had already climbed the Great Trango Tower, showcasing her deep passion for mountaineering. Born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, she had a distinguished athletic career, notably winning two golds and a bronze at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, becoming the first female biathlete to win both the sprint and pursuit in a single Games.
Tributes poured in from the International Olympic Committee, German officials, and fans. Bavarian Premier Markus Söder praised her humility, courage, and post-retirement dedication as a mountain rescuer and ski guide.
The German Olympic Sports Confederation hailed her not just as a champion but a figure of “heart, attitude, and vision.”