Sophie Hediger, a 26-year-old Olympian and member of Switzerland's national snowboard cross team, lost her life in a snowboarding accident on December 23, 2024. Hediger was 'freeriding' in Arosa, Switzerland when an avalanche took her life, according to ABC News.
Sophie Hediger, 26, was snowboarding with a companion on a closed black diamond slope in Arosa when she ventured off the marked trail and was caught in an avalanche. Her companion alerted rescue services, who located her approximately two hours later, buried in the snow. Resuscitation efforts did not help, and Hediger was pronounced dead at the scene.
As per a statement by Switzerland's winter sports federation, Swiss-Ski, Sophie had grown up spending time in Arosa, which was not far from her hometown, Horgen. Walter Reusser, CEO of Sport at Swiss-Ski said:
"We are stunned and our thoughts are with Sophie's family, to whom we offer our deepest condolences. For the Swiss-Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas days. We are immensely sad. We will remember Sophie fondly."
The statement also noted Sophie Hediger's achievements:
"Sophie Hediger had achieved her first two World Cup podiums in the 2023/24 season. At the dress rehearsal for the World Championships in St. Moritz, she had finished second; winning a medal at the home World Championships in Engadin next March was one of her sporting dreams. She had fulfilled another by competing at the 2022 Olympic Games in China."
Who was Sophie Hediger?
According to her bio on Strath, Sophie Hediger was a talented Swiss snowboarder who grew up in Horgen and spent much of her time in Arosa. She began skiing at just over two years old and made her first tracks in Obersaxen. She soon transitioned to snowboarding, captivated by its versatility. Inspired by the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, she set her sights on snowboard cross, aiming to emulate champions like Tanja Frieden.
Throughout her career, Sophie achieved significant milestones. She secured a silver medal at the 2016 Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer and a bronze at the 2018 Junior World Championships in New Zealand. In the 2023-'24 season, she earned her first two World Cup podium finishes, including a second-place finish at the World Championships dress rehearsal in St. Moritz.
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Fulfilling a lifelong dream, she represented Switzerland at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, competing in the women's snowboard cross and the mixed team event.
Sophie's passion for snowboarding and her dedication to the sport were evident throughout her life. Her achievements and spirit continue to inspire many in the world of winter sports.
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