German Olympic rowing gold medallist, Maximilian Reinelt has died at the age of 30.
Maximilian who was part of the German eight that won gold at the London Olympics in 2012 and silver four years later in Rio de Janeiro died over the weekend after collapsing while cross-country skiing in St. Moritz.
Reinelt who hailed from Ulm in southern Germany also won two world championship gold medals and multiple European titles.
A statement released by Team Germany read: ‘He was first and foremost a friend, someone we could rely on not just in training and competition, but throughout our lives.
‘At the moment we find it incredibly difficult to find the appropriate words to honour Maximilian’s life, for he can no longer be part of our community exceeds our imagination.
‘Our thoughts and sympathy are with his fiancee, his parents, and siblings.’
Siegfried Kaidel, chairman of the German Rowing Federation, said: ‘His surprise death which came far too early makes me indefinitely sad.
‘Everyone who knew him was captivated by his friendly nature. He will be missed.’
