Audun Grønvold, a celebrated Norwegian skier and Olympic bronze medalist, passed away on July 15 at the age of 49 after being struck by lightning over the weekend. The Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed that Grønvold was hit by lightning on July 12 while visiting his family’s cabin and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a few days later.
Federation president Tove Moe Dyrhaug paid tribute to Grønvold, calling him a key figure in both alpine and freestyle skiing. Born in Hamar, Norway, Grønvold began his career in alpine skiing and spent over a decade on the national team before switching to ski cross. He earned a bronze medal in the event’s Olympic debut at the 2010 Vancouver Games and later served as a coach, board member, and skiing broadcaster.
Former coach Marius Arnesen remembered him as a kind and talented athlete with an exceptional feel for snow. Grønvold is survived by his wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, and their three children. In a Facebook post, Haugsjå described him as her “great love and best friend for 20 years.”
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