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The world's best skiers are gathered in Austria this weekend to take on the most challenging ski course on the planet -- one even the sport's best say they are simply happy to make it down in one piece
A 19-year-old rising star of Italian downhill skiing has died after a fall during a training session, authorities in the country announced Tuesday.
"Matilde Lorenzi has left us," said the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI).
"President Flavio Roda has no words to express the tragedy suffered by the FISI, its coaches, its athletes and Matilde's team-mates and coaches," the federation added.
Matilde Lorenzi fell during a training session in northeastern Italy and was airlifted to a nearby hospital, the FISI indicated Monday.
The federation then decided to suspend training and all other activities of its national teams following the accident.
The news of the teenager's death sparked emotive reactions from Italy and the skiing world at large.
U.S. skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin reacted to the news on social media by posting three broken heart emojis.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her "great sadness", while Italian President Sergio Mattarella stated his "sincere emotion."
Italian ski star Sofia Goggia posted a short message on social media calling for prayer, captioned by a black and white photo of Lorenzi.
Lorenzi was a member of the Italian Army, who also paid homage to her.
"On behalf of the entire Italian Army family and on my own behalf, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Matilde Lorenzi, who lost her life in a tragic accident during training at Val Senales," army chief of staff Carmine Masiello said in a statement.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) also paid tribute to Lorenzi on social media.
"FIS joins FISI President Flavio Roda and the entire Italian winter sports community in mourning, including coaches, athletes, teammates, the federal council, and all FISI staff," the federation wrote. "FISI is in mourning, standing by her family, friends, and everyone who cherished Matilde, honoring her memory today and always."
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