World runner-up Elena Fanchini is dead. She was 37 years old

Elena Fanchini took part in international competitions for the first time in 2001 in Madesimo, where she took 33rd place in the Giant FIS Race. In 2005, she won the silver and bronze medals at the World Junior Championships in Bardonecchia, Italy. In the same year, she made her debut in the World Cup competition in Santa Caterina and took part in the senior world championships in Bormio. There she won a silver medal in the downhill race.

World runner-up Elena Fanchini is dead. She was 37 years old

In the following years, Elena Fanchini continued to compete in the World Cup, where she was on the podium four times, winning twice. The 2017/18 season was her last in her career, as she found out about her cancer. She missed the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang because of her illness and after a short time of recovery she tried to return to sport. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful and in 2020 she officially ended her career. On Wednesday, February 8, the world was informed about her death.

“Former Italian skier Elena Fanchini has died after a long battle with cancer. She participated in three editions of the Olympic Games with the Italian team. Her smile will be missed,” reads the statement of the Italian ski federation. Alpej passed away at her home in Solato near Brescia. According to “La Gazetta dello Sport”, the funeral is scheduled for Saturday, February 11 at 10.30.

Condolences to the Fanchini family were offered by the biggest star of alpine skiing, Mikaela Shiffrin. “It was a day full of emotions. There are so many things I would like to share… but the most important is the loss of Elena Fanchini. My condolences to the entire Fanchini family, who with their passion and kindness have so strongly influenced our sport and world,” wrote the American.

It is worth recalling that Elena Fanhcini’s sisters – Nadia and Sabrina also celebrated success in the World Cup and won medals at the most important sports events.