Swedish freeskier Matilda Rapaport dies at age 30
Freeskiing World Tour and Red Bull athlete, Matilda Rapaport, was seriously injured on Thursday after being caught in an avalanche while filming in Farrellones, Chile. Rapaport was buried under the snow for a considerable amount of time (up to 30 minutes according to some reports), went into a coma and died from complications caused by a lack of oxygen.
Her husband, World Cup alpine skier Mattias Hargin, is in Chile along with Rapaport’s mother. The couple celebrated their wedding only three months ago.
Rapaport’s personality and skill made her one of the greatest freeskiers in the world. She was a role model and source of inspiration for many in the alpine ski world. Born in Stockholm, the Swede held a master’s degree from the Stockholm School of Business. According to her POC Sports profile, if she wasn’t a professional skier, she would have pursued her PhD. Her ski career highlights included winning Verbier Xtreme 2013, earning second place in Fieberbrunn FWT 2013 and Chamonix 2014, and filming for Shades of Winter 2013.
“It’s a terrible event with an unfortunate outcome that is very difficult to take in,” said Tommy Eliasson Winter, alpine director of the Swedish Ski Association. “Our thoughts are closest to Matilda’s loved ones and we will do everything we can to support them at this difficult time.”
There has been an outpouring of sadness in the ski community on social media in response to her shocking death.
Photo from Red Bull
About the Author: Gabbi Hall
