Former World Downhill Medallist Fanchini Dies Aged 37

Former World Downhill Medallist Fanchini Dies Aged 37
Elena Fanchini of Italy celebrates before the podium celebration after winning the ladies' World Cup Downhill skiing race in Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy, on Jan. 16, 2015. Max Rossi/Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

Italian Elena Fanchini, who won the downhill silver medal at the 2005 Alpine skiing world championships, has died aged 37, the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) said on Wednesday.

Fanchini, who took part in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 Winter Olympics, was forced to withdraw from the 2018 PyeongChang Games after being diagnosed with cancer.

“At the end of a serious illness, Elena Fanchini passed away at her home in Solato [near Brescia],” FISI said in a statement.

Fanchini also participated in six World Championships and made four World Cup podiums, all in downhill, including two victories in Lake Louise, Canada, in 2005 and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, in 2015.