Vibeke Skofterud

SIN would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of 38-year-old Olympic Champion from Vancouver, Vibeke Skofterud, who tragically died in a jet ski accident near Arendal in southern Norway on the past weekend.

Vibeke Skofterud and her watercraft were found by the Steensand rescue service near the island of St. Helena on Sunday morning after she had been reported missing the night before. There is a ongoing investigation to enlighten the circumstances of her death. 

Vibeke Skofterud was member of the Norwegian national Cross-Country team, she won gold medal in the relay at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. She won 2 gold medals, one silver and bronze at the World Ski Championships and finished 15 times on the World Cup podium. 

Her first individual victory came in a pursuit race in Norway in 2006.

In 2012, Skofterud became the first Norwegian to win the Vasaloppet official ladies class.She set a new record time, 4.08,24, more than 8 minutes faster than the previous record from 1998. This was the first time ever she competed in a race as long as 90 km

In addition, she was a very good contributor to the environment and an important ambassador for skiing with his winning being and great commitment. She will be deeply missed. 

Landscape Manager Vidar Løfshus said "It's an unthinkable tragedy that our life-loving Vibeke is gone. Our thoughts go to Vibeke's family and her closest."

Circuit Leader for Østfold Skicrets, Tore Sandem added "This is just so sad. She has given us so many proud moments for almost 20 years, and it's unthinkable that she's already gone. Vibeke was not only a great ambassador to the Slitt sports club and the young people promising from the district but for the whole of Østfold. The whole of Norway also knew her as an excellent performer."