Sophie Hediger, a member of Switzerland’s snowboard cross team who competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, has tragically died in an avalanche at the Arosa mountain resort, The Associated Press reports, citing the Swiss Ski Federation.
The fatal incident occurred on Monday at the popular Swiss resort. Hediger, 26, participated in both the women’s snowboard cross and the mixed team event at the Beijing Games.
Hediger had experienced a strong season recently, achieving her first two World Cup podium finishes during the 2023-24 season. Her best result was a second-place finish in St. Moritz in January, highlighting her rising talent and potential in the sport.
“We are shocked and our thoughts are with Sophie’s family, to whom we offer our deepest condolences,” said Swiss-Ski CEO Walter Reusser in a statement released following the tragic news.
He described her loss as, “tragically, brutally and far too soon.”
