WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
Sophie Hediger, a 26-year-old Swiss snowboarder competing in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, was tragically killed in an avalanche on Monday while snowboarding in Arosa, Switzerland, the Swiss Ski Federation said.
Hediger was a standout athlete in international snowboard cross competition, a speed event that involves racing over jumps and undulating slopes. She achieved her first World Cup podium finish this year, taking second place in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and then third in Gudauri, Georgia. Just a few weeks ago, she competed in a World Cup race in Cervinia, Italy.
At the Beijing Olympics, Hediger and her teammate Kalle Koblet finished seventh in the mixed team snowboard cross, while she finished 19th in the women's individual race.
The fatal incident occurred on a closed black piste in Arosa. At around 1:15 p.m., Hediger and her companion stepped off the marked piste. An avalanche then struck, burying Hediger under the snow. Her companion immediately notified the rescue services and began a search. Rescuers, including avalanche experts, members of the Swiss Alpine Club and mountain police, found her at around 3:30 p.m. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, they were unable to revive her, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Walter Reusser, CEO of the Swiss Ski Federation, expressed his deep sorrow, saying: "For the Swiss Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays. We are deeply saddened and will cherish Sophie's memory.”
Hediger, who grew up in Horgen, near Zurich, spent a lot of time in Arosa and was known for her passion for the sport. The tragedy has left the snowboarding community in mourning for a talented and beloved athlete.
