Norwegian media, citing a statement from Olaf Tufte’s family, reports that the famous rower was found unconscious on his farm on Tuesday.
Emergency services were immediately called, and he was taken to a hospital in Oslo, but he died there.
According to VG, a family representative did not wish to comment further than what was written in the statement, but there are no indications that the death could have been caused by any work accident or external actions.
O. Tufte’s death left his wife, two children, and the entire nation in deep sorrow.
“Tufte brought pure joy through sport to our nation,” said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. “He was one of Norway’s greatest sports heroes, a decorated Olympian, one of the most outstanding rowers we have ever had, and also a wonderful example for many.”
O. Tufte started rowing only at the age of 17, but achieved a great deal.
He competed in all Summer Olympic Games, starting with Atlanta in 1996 and ending with Tokyo in 2021.
In 2004 in Athens and in 2008 in Beijing, he won gold medals. In the double sculls, he won silver in 2000 in Sydney and bronze in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
“He ended his career at the Tokyo Games at the age of 45, rowing in the men’s quadruple sculls with teammates who were born after his Olympic debut,” “World Rowing” recalled. “A veteran mentor, always an example on the water.”
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No other Norwegian has participated in seven Summer Olympic Games. Before his last Games, when asked by VG about his unending motivation, O. Tufte asked not to ask such questions, explaining that with a goal, he doesn’t need to think about motivation.
O. Tufte also participated in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, coaching Birgit Skarstein there, who won silver in rowing.
After the end of his career, he participated in television shows and also had a multitude of other activities.
“Besides rowing, Tufte managed the family farm, worked as a volunteer firefighter, developed businesses such as a concrete production company, created the clothing brand ‘Tufte Wear’ and a brewery,” “World Rowing” stated.
The Rowing Federation quoted one of O. Tufte’s phrases from an interview: “I am not made for rest. I need to do other things, otherwise I get bored.”
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