Matilde Lorenzi's death highlights the inherent risks associated with competitive skiing, an activity that, despite its popularity, has seen numerous fatalities over the years.
The emotional tributes from the skiing community underscore the close-knit nature of the sport, where athletes often form strong bonds that extend beyond competition.
Italian alpine skier Matilde Lorenzi tragically passed away at the age of 19 following a serious training accident on the Grawand G1 slope in Val Senales, South Tyrol, Italy. The incident occurred on October 28, 2024, during a giant slalom training session, where Lorenzi lost control after hitting a gate. Despite immediate medical attention and being airlifted to a hospital in Bolzano, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. The Italian Defense Ministry confirmed her death and expressed deep condolences, highlighting Lorenzi's status as a promising athlete in the Italian Army sports section.
The skiing community has expressed profound grief over Lorenzi's passing, with tributes pouring in from fellow athletes, including American stars Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed her sorrow on social media, joining the collective mourning of Lorenzi's family, friends, and colleagues. Lorenzi's older sister, Lucrezia, who is also an accomplished skier, shared heartfelt memories of her sister, describing her as an incredible person whose spirit will remain with her family.
Lorenzi's death is part of a troubling trend in skiing, where several athletes have lost their lives due to training accidents. The sport, while celebrated for its excitement, is also recognized as one of the most dangerous, with a history of tragic incidents involving prominent athletes. The Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) both extended their condolences, emphasizing the impact of Lorenzi's loss on the skiing community.
