Olympic medalist Audun Groenvold killed by lightning strike aged 49

Audun Groenvold, the freestyle skier who won a bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics, has tragically died at the age of 49 after being struck by lightning, it has been confirmed.

The Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed the sad news in a statement on Wednesday. They confirmed that Groenvold had been struck by lightning during a cabin trip and sadly passed away after being taken to hospital.

They said: “It is with great sadness that we have received the news of Audun Groenvold’s untimely passing.

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“The former national Alpine skier and ski cross athlete was recently struck by lightning during a cabin trip.”

The federation's president, Tove Moe Dyrhaug said: “Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the alpine and freestyle communities.

“Audun had a great career in both alpine skiing and ski cross, before becoming the national ski cross coach. The Norwegian Ski Association also remembers his efforts on the ski board. There will be a big void after Audun.”

Groenvold was a member of Norway’s Alpine skiing team before he decided to transition into freestyle and ski cross. He finished third in a downhill in Sierra Nevada, Spain back in 1999 as a World Cup Alpine skier and also won bronze medals in ski cross at the 2005 world championships and the ski cross cup two years later.

After retiring, Groenvold worked as a coach for the national team and a commentator.

Groenvold's former coach, Marius Arnesen, told local newspaper Verdens Gang: "It's just terribly sad and tragic.

"[He was] a thoughtful and wonderful boy who, when it comes to skiing, had a fantastic feeling for the surface in the snow."

Groenvold is survived by his wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, and three children.