French skyrunning champion Esteban Oliviero, 22, has died after a ski touring accident within the French Alps. Oliviero was on the descent after a ski touring ascent of La Blanche within the Ecrins massif, BNN reported, and was discovered after his roommates alerted emergency providers when he had not returned by dusk. Initially from Var, France, Oliviero had just lately moved to the Ecrins Massif space to pursue his passions for each path working and mountaineering.
Oliviero had established himself as a exceptional path runner with notable achievements regardless of his younger age. In June 2023, Oliviero took first on the Grand Path des Acrins 34K race in Vallouise, France, gained the Hochkönig Skyrace 50K in Maria Alm, Sweden, gained the French U23 Path Operating Championships and was ninth on the Grigne SkyMarathon. He was beloved not solely amongst his athletic friends, but in addition for his function as a summer time caretaker on the Good refuge in Mercantour, France.
The French Athletics Federation (FFA) expressed condolences, sharing on their web site that “the whole path working group in France and elsewhere is mourning the loss of life of an athlete extremely esteemed by his friends. Esteban will depart an ideal reminiscence.” Olivier was recognized not just for his racing skill however his variety and joyful nature. “A runner acknowledged for his expertise through the effort but in addition through the post-race moments, his smile and his infectious good humor made him a much-appreciated comrade,” they added.
Olivier ran for the UK-based shoe firm, Inov8 France, who expressed their disappointment over Olivier’s loss of life on social media: “Esteban was a superb mountain runner and a enjoyable, sincere younger man. He can be sadly missed by many.”
The information of Oliviero’s loss of life has prompted an outpouring of tributes throughout the worldwide athletic group. “You’ll be with us on each begin line and on each summit,” the Skyrunner World Sequence shared on Instagram. Florent Besses, coordinator of the Nationwide Excellence Ski Mountaineering Group (GESAN) the place Oliviero was a member, paid homage to his distinctive qualities and deep connection to the mountains on the GESAN web site. “Regardless of his very excessive degree, he was easy and humble, with an infectious pleasure, very invested within the group. A bon vivant, removed from the picture of the ascetic. His disappearance could be very arduous to bear.”
