Vibeke Skofterud - tragic care skiing pearl of the world elite

In the summer of 2018, the International Ski Federation announced the death of Vibeke Skofterud - Olympic champion from Norway, which was at that time 38 years old. The tragic event took place on the island of St. Helena, near the town of Arendal.

As wrote the head of the Norwegian national team ski racing Vidar Lefskhyus in a statement on social networks, Vibeke care was for all the incomprehensible tragedy, like a black hole, where the world is falling apart. He has worked with an athlete for several years, until she was in the big sports, and remembers her as a cheerful person, gave himself the sport and always keep a positive outlook on life.

Life in the big sports

Norwegian skier Vibeke Skofterud was born April 20, 1980 in the south of Norway, in a small village not far from Oslo. As a youth, she was fascinated by skiing and decided to devote himself to the sport. The first major recognition came to her at the World Junior Championships in 2000, where she took part in the relay, and won the bronze medal. In 2001 Skofterud joined the national ski team Norway, which included the 2003 World Championships in Val di Fiemme, won a silver medal, and won gold in Oberstdorf two years later.

2010 brings major victory - a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. In 2012, Norway's Vibeke Skofterud becomes the first woman of the country, won the traditional annual marathon Vasaloppet, part of a series of Ski Classic. It is the oldest and most popular skiing competition, which is attended by more than 15,000 skiers. Vibeke not only won, but also set a new record time.

Life after sports

After a long stay in the elite world of skiing, in 2015 she leaves the sport due to injury and illness.

The consequences of injuries prevented her from further participation in any competitions. During the Winter Olympics in 2018 in Pyeongchang, she was part of an expert team of Eurosport channel, as well as participated in various sports reality show, I lectured about the motivation and unity. This we see Vibeke on personal photo: tattoos, favorite cat and recreation.

One of her hobbies, jet skiing, and led to a tragic end the life of a famous athlete.

The tragic weekend of July

The last weekend of July Vibeke with her companion Stenskhorn Marit, with whom it has a romantic relationship, spent on vacation in Avendano area where they rode jet skis and went to concerts of music festival held there.

After the concert Marit could not find his girlfriend, who stopped responding to calls, and on the night of 28 on July 29 filed the disappearance Vibeke the local police station. The next day, the body of the champion in cross country skiing was discovered on the island of St. Helena near Avendano, next to it was a jet ski. Police Department investigator informed the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation that the police continue to investigate the circumstances of the death of the athletes, but with a high probability it can be argued that the tragedy occurred was the result of an accident. On that day, the weather was bad and limited visibility, and Vibeke could crash into the beach without seeing land closer because of the advancing darkness. Another version of the reasons for Vibeke Skofterud death as a possible fault watercraft.

world sport Pearl

Relatives, friends and admirers of famous athletes were shocked by the news of her death. In just two days before the tragic events she placed in Instagram videos about his time on vacation, full of life, joy and optimism, and it was impossible to imagine that it is no longer alive. She was one of the best skiers in Norway from 2001 to 2015, worthily defend the honor of his country in numerous international competitions. Cross-country skiing is one of the most difficult sports. You need to have a very strong character and outstanding personal qualities, not to give up on the way to victory and go through such a path as Vibeke. Despite all the difficulties of life in this beautiful and at the same time such a dangerous and difficult sport, she was very cheerful and easy person.

Sincere radiant smile at numerous photo shows her love for life and a sense of optimism, which she kept in any situation.