German Olympic Champion Laura Dahlmeier Dies at 31 in Climbing Accident. Laura Dahlmeier, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of Germany’s most celebrated biathletes, has died at the age of 31 following a tragic climbing accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan. According to her team, Dahlmeier was struck by a falling rock during the expedition.
Due to severe weather conditions, rescue efforts were delayed and could only reach the site a day after the incident. Dahlmeier rose to international prominence in the sport of biathlon. In 2017, she won the overall Biathlon World Cup and claimed five gold medals at the Biathlon World Championships, marking one of the most successful seasons in the sport’s history.
The following year, she competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, where she made history by winning gold in both the sprint and pursuit events, along with a bronze medal in the 15 km individual race. She announced her retirement in 2019 at just 25 years old, citing the physical and mental toll of elite competition.
After stepping away from professional biathlon, Dahlmeier remained deeply connected to nature and the mountains. She became a certified mountain guide, wrote books, and participated in outdoor education and mountain rescue initiatives. She was widely admired not only for her athletic achievements but also for her humility, adventurous spirit, and commitment to environmental causes.
Her death has shocked the sporting world and the mountaineering community alike. Tributes have poured in from fans, athletes, and organizations around the world, all remembering Dahlmeier not only as a champion but as an inspiring individual who lived life with passion and purpose.