Twice Olympic biathlon champion Dahlmeier killed in mountaineering accident in Pakistan

Germany's ski federation DSV has reacted shocked to the news that twice Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has died in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan, reported dpa.

"We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic mountain accident in Pakistan in which our Olympic champion and long-time national team athlete Laura Dahlmeier died at the age of just 31," the DSV, which also oversses biathlon, said on their website.

"Our thoughts are with her family, her friends, her companions - and with everyone who was touched by Laura's extraordinary personality and sporting greatness."

Dahlmeier's management and local authorities in Pakistan said on Wednesday that Dahlmeier died after being caught in rockfall on Monday while climbing the 6,069 metres Laila Peak in the Karakoram range. Her body is yet to be recovered due to adverse conditions.

Dahlmeier won two Olympic golds, seven world titles and the overall World Cup in a glittering biathlon career she ended at age 25 in 2019. She was also German Sportwoman of the Year in 2017 and a biathlon TV pundit after her active career.

Dahlmeier was a state-certified mountain and ski guide, and an active member of Germany's mountain rescue organization. She was considered an experienced and risk-aware mountaineer.

The DSV named Dahlmeier "one of Germany's must successful winter sport athletes" and "a true role model.

"In Laura, the German Ski Federation has not only lost an outstanding athlete, but also a very special person. Her legacy will reach far beyond sport. We will honour her memory," the DSV said.