Olympic Biathlon Star Laura Dahlmeier Dies in Pakistan at 31

• Jul 30, 2025

Laura Dahlmeier, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in biathlon, has died at the age of 31 following a tragic mountaineering accident in northern Pakistan. The incident occurred earlier this week in the Karakoram mountains, a remote and rugged region known for its difficult climbing conditions.

According to reports, Dahlmeier was struck by falling rocks while climbing at an altitude of nearly 19,000 feet. Poor weather and the constant risk of additional rockfalls made rescue operations nearly impossible. Local residents ultimately removed her from the landslide site, a Pakistani government spokesperson confirmed.

Dahlmeier had long been passionate about the outdoors and mountains, even after stepping away from professional sports in 2019. Her death has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, with tributes pouring in from across the globe.

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry released a heartfelt statement: “The news about the passing of two-time Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier in a terrible mountaineering accident is deeply shocking for all of us in the Olympic Movement. She lost her life in her beloved mountains. Laura made history at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics as the first female biathlete to win sprint and pursuit gold at the same Games edition. She will be remembered forever.”

Dahlmeier’s Olympic achievements include two gold medals and one bronze from the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea. She was the first female biathlete to win both the sprint and pursuit races at a single Olympics. Beyond the Olympics, she won seven world championship titles during her career.

In 2019, she made the surprising decision to retire from competitive biathlon at the age of 25, citing a loss of full passion for professional sport. “After an unbelievably tough season with lots of highs and lows, I no longer feel the 100 percent passion that is needed for professional sports,” she said at the time.

Dahlmeier’s legacy extends beyond her medals. She was admired for her humility, strength, and love for nature. Her untimely death is a significant loss for the global sports community.