Laura Dahlmeier: German Biathlon Champion Dies in Climbing Accident in Pakistan

German biathlon legend Laura Dahlmeier, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, died in a rockfall while climbing Pakistan’s Laila Peak, leaving the sports world in mourning.

According to reports, Laura Dahlmeier, a celebrated German biathlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist, died Monday, July 28, in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan.

According to The New York Times, the accident occurred around noon Monday on Laila Peak, at 5,700 meters in the Karakoram range’s Hushe Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan.

Dahlmeier, 31, was climbing with partner Marina Eva Kraus when sudden rockfall struck, killing her instantly on the mountainside.

Her death was confirmed by Germany’s ZDF network — where she worked as a biathlon commentator — and by Pakistani authorities.

Dahlmeier made history at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, becoming the first female biathlete to win gold in both the sprint and pursuit in a single Games.

She also earned a bronze medal there and captured seven World Championship golds during her career, establishing herself as one of biathlon’s all-time greats.

In 2019, Dahlmeier retired from professional biathlon at just 25 and turned to mountaineering.

By 2023, she had become a certified mountain and ski guide and served on Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s mountain rescue team.

Kraus, her climbing partner, was guided back to base camp by rescuers.

According to Dahlmeier’s will, she requested no one risk their lives to retrieve her body.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier hailed Dahlmeier as an extraordinary athlete and an inspiration for the global sporting community.

Laura Dahlmeier’s legacy extends beyond her Olympic triumphs; her passion for the mountains and her remarkable humility continue to inspire athletes and adventurers around the world.

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