The Royal Blues were shocked to learn of Laura Dahlmeier's tragic death in an accident. The exceptional athlete, who died far too young at the age of 31, was always a welcome guest at Schalke. She ended her highly successful professional career at the end of December 2019 at the Biathlon World Team Challenge in the VELTINS Arena.
More than 46,000 spectators frenetically celebrated their biathlon queen, who, nine months after her last professional race, wanted to say goodbye to her many fans in front of the wintry backdrop at Schalke. Dahlmeier showed her usual focus, accuracy and was on a par with the world's top competitors on a difficult track. Escorted by a standing ovation from the crowd, the then 26-year-old crossed the finish line in fourth place and said goodbye, which in this case meant: goodbye.
During her personal career, the athlete from Garmisch-Partenkirchen had collected all the important merits: two Olympic gold medals, seven World Championship titles, once the overall World Cup and was named Sportswoman of the Year in 2017. As a TV pundit and biathlon fan, Dahlmeier always enjoyed returning to the WTC races in Gelsenkirchen, where she was always sure of a big hello, not only from the international athletes, but also from the S04 employees, thanks to her warm personality.
Dahlmeier continued to enjoy taking on sporting challenges herself, and a passion led the state-certified mountain and ski guide to tours at dizzying heights. At around 5700 meters in Pakistan's Karakorum mountains, a rockfall caught the experienced climber, for whom all help came too late.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family, friends and the entire biathlon family. FC Schalke 04 will always honor Laura Dahlmeier's memory.
