Elena Fanchini, a brave skier who gave up her dream of competing in the Winter Olympics to fight cancer, died at the age of 37, know her cause of death
The inspirational skier dies following cancer.
Skier Elena Fanchini cause of death, obituary, age, family
At the age of 37, Elena Fanchini, an inspirational skier whose career had to be cut short after receiving a cancer diagnosis, died suddenly. After a prolonged illness, the Italian athlete passed away at her home in Solato, Brescia.
Career
Fanchini had a successful skiing career, participating in six World Cup events in addition to three Olympic Games. Fanchini took part in the Winter Olympics in 2006, 2010, and 2014, but she had to withdraw from Pyeongchang 2018 after learning she had cancer. She finished on the podium four times at the World Cup and won two downhill gold medals in 2005 and 2015. However, she was forced to skip the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018 while receiving cancer treatment.
She further attempted to make a comeback in 2019 but it ended in a devastating injury as she broke her fibula. She eventually made an emotional film about having to stop skiing as a result, which she later released.
Statement from Italian Winter Sports Federation
The Italian Winter Sports Federation’s president, Flavio Roda, sent his sympathies to her family. “The Italian Winter Sports Federation’s entire family is by Nadia, Sabrina, their father Sandro, and their mother Giusi during these trying times,” he said.
Tributes pour in from all over the world.
The favourite to win Saturday’s downhill competition, Sofia Goggia, dedicated her triumph in Cortina d’Ampezzo to Fanchini last month. Fanchini was one of three sisters who competed in skiing competitions for the World Cup; her sisters Nadia and Sabrina were also past athletes.
Mikaela Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist from the USA, tweeted in Fanchini’s honour shortly after she took home silver at the Alpine World Ski Championships. She stated: “I’m offering my condolences to the entire Fanchini family, whose love and kindness have made such a profound effect on our sport and the globe. My heart also goes out to the Italian team, who are suffering greatly right now.”