Ex-ski racer Elena Fanchini died

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Elena Fanchini (recording from 2010)

Photo: Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Former Italian ski racer Elena Fanchini has died at the age of 37 after suffering from cancer.

A spokesman for the Italian association Fisi confirmed this on request after Italian media had previously reported.

"Elena Fanchini died in her house in Solato (near Brescia) after a serious illness," said Fisi.

World Championship silver in the downhill

The 2005 World Cup silver medalist in the downhill had made it public before the 2018 Olympics that she could not take part in the Winter Games due to a tumor.

After successful treatment, she attempted a comeback but failed to make it to the World Cup and officially retired in 2020.

The cancer then broke out again last August, as reported by Italian media.

Compatriot Sofia Goggia recently dedicated her victory in the downhill from Cortina d'Ampezzo.

In addition to second place at the 2005 World Championships, two World Cup victories were the greatest successes in Elena Fanchini's sports career.

She competed in three Winter Olympics and six World Championships.

2020 retirement together with her sister

Fanchini has been plagued with injuries throughout her career, most notably to her knees, which she says are "made of glass."

She missed the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics and was badly injured on her return later that year after having surgery for a tumour: she fell in training and suffered a broken finger, a broken fibula and a severe contusion of her left knee.

In 2020 she retired together with her younger sister Nadia (WM silver 2013 in downhill).

US superstar Mikaela Shiffrin said on the sidelines of the Alpine World Ski Championships in Courchevel and Meribel, France, that she would "never forget" Fanchini.

In a tweet, she wrote: "My condolences to the entire Fanchini family who have impacted our sport and the world so much with their passion and kindness."

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