Skiing Champion Matilde Lorenzi Dies at 19

Matilde Lorenzi, a 19-year-old Italian skiing champion, tragically lost her life due to injuries sustained in a skiing accident, as confirmed by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) on Tuesday. The incident occurred during Lorenzi’s training session on the Schnalstal Glacier, where she suffered a severe head injury after a fall on the hard piste.

The FIS expressed deep sorrow over Lorenzi’s untimely demise. The organization extended its condolences to the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) President Flavio Roda, Lorenzi’s coaches, teammates, the federal council, and all FISI staff, who are mourning the loss of the young athlete.

The accident took place on the Grawand G1 slope in Val Senales during a training session. Lorenzi was immediately airlifted to a hospital in Bolzano, but unfortunately, she could not recover from her injuries.

The Italian National Defense Ministry, where Lorenzi served as a sports soldier, announced her passing. Sports soldiers are members of the military who receive financial support from the state for their athletic pursuits.

Lorenzi, a native of Villarbasse, a commune in the Italian Metropolitan City of Turin, began her professional skiing career in 2020 at a junior race in Santa Caterina Valfurva. Throughout her short but promising career, Lorenzi competed primarily in FIS races across Italy.

The young skier had an impressive record, having been crowned the Italian champion in the Super-G league after the 2023-24 season. She also secured a place among the top 15 in the European Cup twice. In addition, Lorenzi participated in the 2024 Junior World Championship in the Haute-Savoie department, where she finished fourth in the Alpine Team Combine.

The FIS, in its statement, expressed solidarity with Lorenzi’s family, friends, and everyone who admired her. The organization pledged to honor her memory and her contributions to the sport.