Tragedy struck the world of sports with the death of Swiss snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz, who lost his life in an avalanche at the age of 50. The incident occurred on Sunday in the Lötschental Valley of Valais Canton, as confirmed by the Swiss ski federation on Tuesday.
Kestenholz gained international recognition when he secured a bronze medal in the snowboard giant slalom at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. This event marked the debut of snowboarding in the Olympic Games, alongside the memorable story of Canadian gold medalist Ross Rebagliati, who faced controversy over a positive cannabis test.
The avalanche that claimed Kestenholz’s life began at an altitude of 2,400 meters (approximately 7,900 feet). Specific details surrounding the cause of the avalanche remain unclear. Reports indicate that Kestenholz was snowboarding with a friend, who was skiing at the time of the incident. His friend attempted to assist him before emergency services were alerted. Kestenholz was airlifted by helicopter, first to Visp and then to Sion, where he was taken to a hospital near Crans-Montana.
Kestenholz’s impressive career extended beyond the Olympics. He competed in two additional Winter Games and was a two-time champion in snowboardcross at the X-Games. His passion for extreme sports kept him active long after his Olympic success, contributing to his legacy in the sport.
The news of Kestenholz’s passing has resonated deeply within the sporting community, eliciting tributes from fellow athletes and fans alike. The Berner Zeitung was among the first to report on this tragic loss, highlighting Kestenholz’s significant impact on snowboarding and his enduring spirit as an athlete.
As the sports world mourns the loss of a pioneer, Kestenholz’s achievements and contributions to snowboarding will not be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
