Former Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier, 31, is fighting for her life after being seriously injured during a mountain climb in Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains.
A falling rock struck Dahlmeier while she was scaling Laila Peak, around 18,700 feet above sea level, according to reports from Explorersweb.
The Accident and Rescue Efforts
The accident took place on Monday, July 28, around noon local time, while Dahlmeier was climbing with her mountaineering partner. Dahlmeier was struck by the rockfall and, according to her management team, showed “no signs of life” when the helicopter crew first observed her.
“Her partner immediately called emergency services, and a rescue operation began immediately,” Dahlmeier’s management team told German broadcaster ZDF.
Due to the remote location of the accident, a helicopter could not reach the site until the morning of July 29. An international team of mountaineers is working to reach Dahlmeier, who is said to be “at least seriously injured.” The rescue effort was paused Tuesday evening due to darkness and is set to resume on Wednesday morning, as reported by ZDF Heute.
Dahlmeier’s Olympic Achievements
Laura Dahlmeier is one of Germany’s most accomplished biathletes. During the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea, she won two gold medals: one in the women’s 10km pursuit and another in the 7.5km sprint. She also earned a bronze in the 15km individual event, making her the first athlete to win two gold medals during the 2018 games.
In total, Dahlmeier won seven gold medals at the Biathlon World Championships and earned eight other medals before retiring in 2019 at the age of 25.
Biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing with rifle target shooting, is an intense sport that challenges athletes’ ability to ski long distances while maintaining accurate shooting under physical stress.
The world is holding its breath as an international rescue team works tirelessly to save former Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier after her serious injury in the Karakoram Mountains.
Her incredible career as a biathlete has inspired many, and her strength and determination are now on full display as rescue efforts continue.
