Laura Dahlmeier, the celebrated German biathlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has died at the age of 31 following a climbing accident in Pakistan. Her untimely death was confirmed on Monday by her team via Instagram and later by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB).
“We are deeply shocked by the sudden and far too early loss of this remarkable individual,” said DOSB President Thomas Weikert in a statement to CNN. “Laura was not only a phenomenal athlete but also a role model whose determination and spirit inspired countless people both within and beyond the sporting world. Our hearts go out to her loved ones—we will support them in any way we can.”
Dahlmeier was reportedly hit by a falling rock while climbing Laila Peak in the Karakoram range. Her climbing partner, Marina Eva, managed to send a distress signal, but poor visibility and bad weather delayed helicopter rescue efforts until the following day.
Dahlmeier was one of Germany’s most accomplished winter athletes. After competing in the 2014 Winter Olympics without medaling, she rose to international fame at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. There, she became the first woman ever to win both the biathlon sprint and pursuit events at a single Olympics and also secured a bronze medal in the 15km individual event.
Her dominance wasn’t limited to the Olympics. At the 2017 Biathlon World Championships, Dahlmeier won an astonishing five gold medals. She had also captured world titles in 2015 and 2016, making her one of the most decorated biathletes of her generation.
At just 25, Dahlmeier retired from professional biathlon in 2019, citing a desire to pursue new challenges. In the years that followed, she authored a children’s book, worked as a biathlon commentator for German television, and took up competitive mountain running—an extension of her love for the outdoors.
Dahlmeier’s death has left a deep void in the sporting community. Her legacy lives on in her achievements, her adventurous spirit, and the countless lives she touched both on and off the snow.
