Norwegian rowing legend Olaf Tufte dies at 50

Two‑time Olympic gold‑medallist and four‑time Olympic medallist Olaf Tufte was found unconscious on his family farm south of Oslo on 21 July 2026. He was air‑lifted to the National Hospital in Oslo, where he died despite emergency treatment. Tufte, 50, left a wife and two children.

Tufte won Olympic gold in the single scull in 2004 (Athens) and 2008 (Beijing), a silver in the double scull in 2000 (Sydney) and a bronze in 2016 (Rio). He competed in seven Olympic Games from Atlanta 1996 to Tokyo 2021, and was world champion in the single scull in 2001 and 2003. Beyond rowing, he ran a family farm, volunteered as a firefighter, and operated a clothing brand. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called him “one of the greatest sport heroes of Norway.” The international rowing community, including World Rowing and fellow athletes, issued statements of mourning, and Norwegian rowing clubs plan tribute events.