Audun Groenvold, the esteemed Norwegian freestyle skier and Olympic bronze medallist, has tragically passed away at the age of 49 after being struck by lightning during a cabin trip. The Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed the devastating news on Wednesday, stating that Groenvold succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to hospital. This incident has sent shockwaves through the skiing community, where he was widely respected and admired.

The federation released a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow: “It is with great sadness that we have received the news of Audun Groenvold’s untimely passing. The former national Alpine skier and ski cross athlete was recently struck by lightning during a cabin trip.” Tove Moe Dyrhaug, president of the Norwegian Ski Federation, paid tribute to Groenvold, noting, “Norwegian skiing has lost a prominent figure, who has meant so much to both the alpine and freestyle communities.” Dyrhaug emphasized Groenvold’s significant contributions to the sport, both as an athlete and coach.

Legacy of an Accomplished Athlete

Before establishing a name in freestyle and ski cross, Groenvold was a member of Norway’s Alpine skiing team. His notable achievements included a third-place finish in a World Cup Alpine downhill event held in Sierra Nevada, Spain, in 1999. Additionally, he earned bronze medals in ski cross at the 2005 World Championships and the ski cross cup in 2007. These accomplishments underscored his versatility and skill across different skiing disciplines.

Following his retirement from competitive skiing, Groenvold remained actively involved in the sport as a national team coach and commentator. His commitment to nurturing future talent left a lasting impact on the skiing community. Marius Arnesen, Groenvold’s former coach, shared his condolences with local media outlet Verdens Gang, stating, “It’s just terribly sad and tragic. [He was] a thoughtful and wonderful boy who, when it comes to skiing, had a fantastic feeling for the surface in the snow.”

A Personal Loss

Groenvold is survived by his wife, Kristin Tandberg Haugsjå, and their three children. The news of his passing has resonated deeply with his family, friends, and colleagues, who are mourning the loss of a beloved figure in the skiing world. His contributions to both the alpine and freestyle skiing communities will be cherished, leaving a significant void in the sport.

The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the profound impact individuals can have on their communities. Groenvold’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of skiers.

Jordan Conroy, the celebrated Irish rugby player, has announced his retirement from rugby 7s after a decade-long career with the national team. The 31-year-old made this emotional revelation through an Instagram post, expressing his surprise at the difficulty of saying goodbye to a sport that has shaped his identity for the past ten years.

In his statement, Conroy reflected on his journey, stating, “I didn’t think it would be this difficult writing this, saying goodbye to something that’s been a part of your life the last 10 years.” He emphasized the emotional weight of stepping away from a sport that has provided him with numerous experiences, both challenging and rewarding.

Conroy’s rugby career began at the age of 18, when he played for Tullamore and Buccaneers before making his debut for the Ireland 7s team in 2016. During his tenure, he became a standout player, notably becoming the highest try scorer at the 2020 World Series. His remarkable performance contributed to Ireland’s qualification for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Over his career, he played in 171 World Series games, scoring an impressive 123 tries.

In his farewell message, Conroy expressed gratitude towards his teammates and friends, describing them as “brothers” who supported him throughout his career. He said, “We were more than just a team, we were a bunch of lads who believed in each other when others laughed at us.” His heartfelt thanks extended to those who had played vital roles in his journey, both on and off the field.

Conroy’s retirement announcement elicited an outpouring of tributes from the rugby community. Renowned Springboks legend Bryan Habana praised Conroy’s contributions to the sport, stating, “Mad respect @jordan_conroy19 thanks for all the entertainment!!!!” Former teammate Greg O’Shea reminisced about their shared experiences, saying, “What a journey brother. From living together in a tiny hotel room to watching you become one of the best players in the world.”

Reflecting on his career, Conroy acknowledged that the sport has taught him invaluable lessons and has been instrumental in shaping who he is today. He concluded his statement with a note of appreciation for his journey, saying, “I wouldn’t be the Jordan I am today if it wasn’t for this sport.”

As Conroy embarks on the next chapter of his life, his legacy in rugby 7s remains firmly established, marked by his dedication, skill, and the friendships forged along the way.

Raymond van Barneveld is gearing up to demonstrate his enduring competitiveness as he prepares to face Michael van Gerwen in the first round of the World Matchplay on July 21, 2025. The match, which will take place at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, has generated significant anticipation among fans, particularly given the history between the two Dutch players. Van Gerwen, a three-time World Matchplay champion, is currently ranked third in the world, while Van Barneveld holds the thirty-sixth position.

The upcoming clash is not just another match for Van Barneveld; it represents an opportunity to reclaim his status among the elite players in darts. “First of all, it’s the crowd that always kept me going. It’s fantastic if they sing your song, you know, like Barney Army,” Van Barneveld shared during an interview on the Love the Darts podcast. He emphasized the importance of the audience in energizing his performances, particularly in venues across Germany and the UK.

Despite his current ranking, Van Barneveld remains determined to prove that he can still compete at a high level. He acknowledged the challenges of facing multiple defeats each week, stating, “It’s not always great, you have to handle defeats sometimes three, four days a week. No one sees this.” The mental toll of consistent losses has been a struggle for him, yet he is resolute in his desire to return to winning form.

The World Matchplay is known as a critical stage for top players, and Van Barneveld is acutely aware of his past struggles. “It is not a secret that in the majors I’m doing pretty badly and losing first rounds all the time,” he admitted. His focus is on adjusting his game to improve his results at major tournaments, where success is essential for his morale and career longevity.

Former player Paul Nicholson believes this matchup will showcase Van Barneveld’s determination. “Raymond is going to turn up in this game because he is going to want to beat Michael on this stage,” Nicholson remarked, highlighting the intensity of competition that often arises in high-stakes matches. He noted that Van Gerwen will need to be at his best to overcome the challenge presented by Van Barneveld, who is expected to elevate his performance for the occasion.

Fans can look forward to an exciting spectacle when these two rivals meet. The match not only reflects the rich history of darts but also the ongoing rivalry that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Viewers can catch the action live on Sky Sports from July 19-27, 2025, as the tournament unfolds and the best players vie for the prestigious title.

The 153rd Open Championship kicks off this week at Royal Portrush, bringing together the world’s top golfers. Among those capturing attention are Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, who are set to lead the Irish challenge. With fans eagerly anticipating their performances, the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement as the tournament unfolds.

On Wednesday, players took to the practice range, where McIlroy was spotted fine-tuning his game. His arrival at the venue was met with a flurry of speculation regarding his current form and readiness for the competition. Observers noted that McIlroy, a local favorite, is under significant pressure to perform well on home soil.

The Open Championship, which runs from July 18 to July 21, 2024, is renowned for its challenging conditions and storied history. As players prepare, weather forecasts indicate potential challenges ahead. A warning was issued for Thursday, suggesting that conditions may impact play.

In addition to McIlroy’s practice sessions, Shane Lowry has been making headlines as he prepares for the competition. The 2019 champion is looking to replicate his success, and his presence on the course has been a source of inspiration for many fans. Lowry’s consistent performance leading up to the tournament suggests he could be a strong contender.

As the day progressed, McIlroy’s absence from specific practice sessions raised eyebrows. Rumors circulated about his schedule and whether he would make a later appearance. Golf enthusiasts are keenly watching for any updates regarding his participation and performance.

New names also emerged on the leaderboard as the tournament approaches, adding to the intrigue. The competition promises to be fierce, with seasoned players and newcomers alike vying for the coveted title. Golf analysts predict that the dynamic between experienced players like McIlroy and Lowry and younger competitors could shape the outcome of this year’s championship.

The excitement surrounding the Open Championship is palpable, and fans can expect a week filled with thrilling golf action. With the stage set at Royal Portrush, the world will be watching as these top athletes take on one of the most prestigious events in the sport.