Tragic End for Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Dahlmeier on Laila Peak

German Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has died in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan, her management confirmed on Wednesday. The accident occurred at about 5,700 metres altitude on Laila Peak, in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, as per the Alpine Club of Pakistan.

Dahlmeier was with her mountaineering partner when a sudden rockfall struck. Poor weather conditions hindered rescue efforts, and a planned helicopter recovery operation was eventually called off.

The 31-year-old, who retired in 2019 after groundbreaking achievements in biathlon, is mourned by the German Olympic Sports Confederation and her home state of Bavaria. Tributes praise her as a legendary athlete with heart, humility, and a deep connection to her roots.

(With inputs from agencies.)