10 Olympic Players Who Died 2024

10 Olympic Players Who Died 2024

10.Jackson James Rice

Jackson James Rice, an 18-year-old kitefoiling prodigy representing Tonga, tragically passed away on June 15, 2024, during a free diving accident in Faleloa, Ha'apai, Tonga. Born in the United States to British parents, Rice was raised in Tonga, where his family operates a tourist lodge. He had recently competed in the Last Chance Regatta in Hyères, France, narrowly missing qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the newly introduced kitefoiling event. Despite not securing a spot, Rice remained optimistic about future competitions, aiming for the 2028 Olympics. His untimely death was caused by a suspected shallow water blackout while free diving from a boat. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. Rice's sister, Lily, paid tribute to him on social media, highlighting his exceptional talent and the joy he brought to those around him. The Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee expressed deep sorrow over his passing, acknowledging his contributions to the sport and his potential to make history as the first Caucasian to represent Tonga at the Olympics. 

9.Rebecca Cheptegei

Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner and 2024 Paris Olympian, tragically died on September 5, 2024, after suffering severe burns inflicted by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, in Kenya. The attack occurred on September 1, when Ndiema ambushed Cheptegei at her home in Trans-Nzoia County, dousing her with petrol and setting her ablaze following a dispute over land ownership. Cheptegei sustained burns covering over 80% of her body and succumbed to multi-organ failure despite intensive care at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. Ndiema also suffered burns and died days later from his injuries. Cheptegei, a mother of two, had previously won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships and finished 44th in the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics. Her death sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the alarming pattern of gender-based violence against female athletes in East Africa. Thousands attended her funeral in Bukwo, Uganda, where calls for justice and stronger protections for women resonated. In her memory, Paris officials announced plans to name a sports facility after her, honoring her legacy and advocating against violence towards women.

8.Geoff Capes

Geoff Capes, one of Britain's most iconic athletes and strongmen, passed away on October 23, 2024, at the age of 75. Born in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, in 1949, Capes rose to prominence as a dominant force in shot put, representing Great Britain in three consecutive Olympic Games (1972, 1976, and 1980). Despite not securing an Olympic medal, he achieved a personal best throw of 21.68 meters in 1980—a British record that still stands today .Beyond the Olympics, Capes clinched gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 1974 and 1978, and secured European Indoor Championship titles in 1974 and 1976. Transitioning from athletics, he became a celebrated figure in strength competitions, winning the World's Strongest Man titles in 1983 and 1985. His versatility was further showcased by six World Highland Games championships between 1981 and 1987 .Standing at 6 feet 5.5 inches and weighing 170 kg in his prime, Capes was renowned not only for his physical prowess but also for his appearances on British television, including the popular show "Superstars." After retiring from competition, he dedicated himself to coaching, mentoring aspiring athletes in both athletics and strength sports. An avid budgerigar breeder, Capes served as president of the Budgerigar Society in 2008, reflecting his diverse interests beyond sports .Capes' legacy extends through his family, with his children, Emma and Lewis, achieving national success in shot put. His contributions to British sports and culture have left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of athletes and enthusiasts alike.

7.Sophie Hediger

Sophie Hediger, a prominent Swiss snowboard cross athlete and Olympian, tragically lost her life at the age of 26 in an avalanche at the Arosa resort in Switzerland on December 23, 2024. Born and raised in Horgen, near Lake Zurich, Hediger was a dedicated member of Switzerland's national snowboard cross team. She represented her country at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, competing in both the women's and mixed team snowboard cross events. In the 2023–24 season, she achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes, securing second place in St. Moritz and third in Gudauri, Georgia. Her untimely death occurred while she was freeriding—a beloved hobby—on a closed slope known as "Black Diamond" in Arosa. Despite swift rescue efforts, including assistance from her companion and emergency services, Hediger was found buried under the snow and could not be resuscitated. The Swiss-Ski federation expressed profound sorrow over her passing, noting that her death cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays. Hediger had been preparing for the 2025 World Championships in Engadin, Switzerland, aiming to fulfill her dream of winning a medal on home soil. Her legacy endures as an inspiration in the snowboarding community, remembered for her passion, achievements, and the indelible mark she left on the sport.

6.Matilde Lorenzi

Matilde Lorenzi, a rising star in Italian alpine skiing, tragically passed away at the age of 19 following a training accident on October 28, 2024. Born on November 15, 2004, in Turin and raised in Valgioie, she began skiing alongside her sister Lucrezia, who also competes internationally. To support their training, the Lorenzi family relocated to Sestriere, where both sisters honed their skills with the Sci Club Sestriere before joining the Centro Sportivo Esercito, the sports club of the Italian Army .During the 2023–24 season, Lorenzi achieved significant milestones, including winning the Italian national titles in both the elite and junior categories in super-G at Sarntal. She also secured a sixth-place finish in downhill and eighth in super-G at the Junior World Championships in Châtel, France. Her best race result in the Europa Cup was an eleventh-place finish in super-G at St. Moritz in December 2023 .The fatal accident occurred during a giant slalom training session on the Grawand G1 slope in Val Senales, South Tyrol. Lorenzi lost control of her skis, resulting in a severe fall that led to fatal injuries. Despite immediate medical attention and being airlifted to a hospital in Bolzano, she succumbed to her injuries during the night .Her untimely death prompted an outpouring of grief from the sports community and Italian officials. President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and other leaders expressed their condolences, highlighting her as a promising talent lost too soon. The Italian Winter Sports Federation suspended all activities in mourning, and tributes poured in from fellow athletes, including U.S. ski star Mikaela Shiffrin .

5.Nino Benvenuti

Nino Benvenuti, Italy's most celebrated boxer, passed away on May 20, 2025, in Rome at the age of 87. Born Giovanni Benvenuti on April 26, 1938, in Isola d'Istria (now Izola, Slovenia), he rose from a challenging post-war upbringing to become an icon of Italian sport. Benvenuti's amateur career was extraordinary—he amassed a record of 120 wins with only one disputed loss and clinched gold at the 1960 Rome Olympics in the welterweight division, also earning the Val Barker Trophy for best boxing style. Turning professional in 1961, he became the undisputed world champion in two weight classes: super-welterweight (1965–1966) and middleweight (1967–1970). His trilogy against Emile Griffith remains legendary, with Benvenuti reclaiming the middleweight title in their third bout in 1968, the same year he was named The Ring magazine’s Fighter of the Year. He retired in 1971 with a professional record of 82 wins (35 by knockout), 7 losses, and 1 draw. Beyond the ring, Benvenuti was a sports commentator for RAI, acted in Italian films, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992. His death marks the end of an era for Italian boxing, though his legacy as a symbol of resilience and excellence endures

4.Annelie Ehrhardt

Annelie Ehrhardt (née Jahns), born on June 18, 1950, in Ohrsleben, East Germany, was a pioneering figure in women's hurdling. She etched her name into Olympic history by winning the inaugural women's 100-meter hurdles at the 1972 Munich Games, setting a world record of 12.59 seconds. This victory not only marked her as the first Olympic champion in this event but also as East Germany's first gold medalist in the discipline .Ehrhardt's athletic prowess was evident early in her career. She secured a silver medal at the 1971 European Championships in Helsinki and clinched gold at the 1974 European Championships in Rome with a championship record of 12.66 seconds . Between 1971 and 1975, she remained undefeated, setting an impressive 20 world records across various hurdle distances, both indoors and outdoors . Her dominance extended to the European Indoor Championships, where she won gold in 1972 and 1973.Beyond her athletic achievements, Ehrhardt was known for her humility and dedication. She trained with SC Magdeburg and was coached by Klaus Wübbenhorst. In 1970, she married Olympic sprint canoer Manfred Ehrhardt. After retiring from competitive athletics following the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where she reached the semifinals, she worked as a photo laboratory assistant and later contributed to sports and youth programs in Magdeburg .Annelie Ehrhardt passed away on October 18, 2024, in Magdeburg at the age of 74. Her legacy endures as a testament to excellence and resilience in athletics.

3.Mercedes Primelles

Mercedes Pomares Primelles, affectionately known as "La Zurda de Oro" ("The Golden Lefty"), was a trailblazing figure in Cuban volleyball and a cornerstone of the legendary "Morenas del Caribe." Born on April 9, 1954, in Majagua, Ciego de Ávila, she began her volleyball journey at 14 and quickly rose to prominence with her exceptional left-handed attacks and strategic prowess. As captain of the Cuban national team, Pomares led her squad to remarkable achievements, including a historic gold medal at the 1978 FIVB World Championship in the Soviet Union—Cuba's first world title in women's volleyball. She was also named the best attacker at both the 1977 World Cup in Japan and the 1978 World Championship. Her Olympic appearances spanned the 1972 Munich, 1976 Montreal, and 1980 Moscow Games, where Cuba consistently finished in the top five. Beyond her playing career, Pomares dedicated herself to coaching, imparting her knowledge in countries like Venezuela, Mexico, and Qatar. She passed away on August 6, 2024, in Havana at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy that paved the way for future generations of Cuban volleyball excellence. 

2.Carlos Alberto Curiel

Carlos Alberto Pedroso Curiel, a distinguished Cuban fencer, passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 57 in Cienfuegos, Cuba. He succumbed to severe burns sustained in a domestic accident, as reported by journalist Raúl Rodríguez .Pedroso's fencing career was marked by significant achievements. He secured a bronze medal in the team épée event at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, contributing to Cuba's standing in the sport . His prowess extended to World Championships, where he earned a gold medal in 1997 in Cape Town and three bronze medals in 1989, 1998, and 1999 . At the Pan American Games, he clinched gold medals in both individual and team épée events in 1987, 1995, and 1999 . His early promise was evident as he became the world junior runner-up in 1987.Beyond his athletic achievements, Pedroso was a beloved figure in Cuban fencing. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from teammates and the fencing community. Fellow fencer Iván Goitizolo remembered him as "the stalwart of Cuban fencing," highlighting his leadership and dedication to the sport . The Cuban Institute of Sports (INDER) acknowledged his contributions, noting his Olympic success and the impact he had on the sport in Cuba.Carlos Alberto Pedroso's legacy endures in the annals of Cuban sports history. His dedication to fencing and his role in elevating the sport's profile in Cuba remain a testament to his commitment and passion.

1.Tsutomu Hanahara

Tsutomu Hanahara, a revered figure in Japanese wrestling, passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 84 in Suginami, Tokyo. Born on January 3, 1940, in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Hanahara etched his name into Olympic history by securing the gold medal in the flyweight Greco-Roman wrestling category at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His victory was a significant achievement, as he triumphed over Bulgaria's Angel Kerezov and Romania's Dumitru Pîrvulescu, the defending champion, in a round-robin final .Beyond his Olympic success, Hanahara made notable contributions to the sport as a coach and administrator. He served as the Chairman of the Strengthening Committee of the Japanese Wrestling Federation, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the nation's wrestling program. Under his leadership, Japan achieved remarkable success at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Additionally, as a coach at Nippon Sports Science University, he led the team to 18 consecutive East Japan Student League Championships from 1979 to 1996 .Hanahara's legacy extends to his family, with his son Daisuke Hanahara competing in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and his grandson Hiroto Hanahara earning a bronze medal at the 2023 U15 Asian Championships . His passing marks the end of an era for Japanese wrestling, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication to the sport.