Former Olympic Biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier of Germany, 31, was severely injured by a falling rock on Laila Peak in Pakistan yesterday.
Helicopter pilots scouted the area today, but conditions prevented it from landing, her entourage wrote in a press release. Reports state that she is “at least seriously injured.”
The accident took place around noon on July 28. The former Olympian and her climbing partner were at 5,700m when a large rock hit Dahlmeier. Her partner, who was uninjured, sent an SOS immediately, but the helicopter could only reach the peak this morning.
Rescuers on the go
“The mountain rescue team has been coordinating the rescue since then,” the press release read. “They are supported by experienced international mountaineers who are in the region.”
No names have been provided, but Dahlmeier has often climbed with Thomas Huber, who is currently climbing Latok III with Jon Griffin and Tad McCrea. Denis Urubko and Maria Cardell are also still in Pakistan after their new route on Nanga Parbat.
In addition, most climbers attempting K2 and Broad Peak are heading out due to bad conditions in the Karakoram, so plenty of experienced and acclimatized international climbers and guides are available.
We are waiting for further updates.
Trango previously
The German climber has been in Pakistan since July 8. Before Laila Peak, she summited the Great Trango Tower (6,287m) on July 8, outfitted by Shipton Treks and Tours. Dahlmeier’s home team explained that Laila Peak was the expedition’s second goal.
While only 6,096m high, Laila Peak, located in the Hushe Valley, is one of the most striking peaks in the Karakoram. Its sustained steepness also features long sections exposed to avalanches and ending in vertical cliffs.
Laila Peak. Photo: Wikipedia
From Olympics to summits
Dahlmeier won two Olympic gold medals in Biathlon and was also a seven-time world champion. After retiring from the sport in 2019, she focused on climbing, alpinism, and ski touring. She became certified as a mountain and ski guide, Alpin.de reported. In 2023, she climbed Pik Khorgenevskaia and the east face of Warzmann Tower in the Pamir/Tien Shan with Thomas Huber. In the Himalaya, she bagged the female FKT (fastest known time) on Ama Dablam last fall. This year, she climbed the North Face of the Eiger.
Laura Dahlmaier during the Mezzalama skimo race last March. Photo: Instagram
