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Olaf Tufte death and tributes
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2026-07-31 05:33 UTC → 2026-07-31 07:38 UTC ·
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On 21 July 2026, two‑time Olympic rowing champion Olaf Tufte was found unconscious at his farm near Horten (Nykirke) and died after being air‑lifted to Rikshospitalet. The 50‑year‑old five‑time Olympian had won two gold, one silver and one bronze medals and was a prominent figure in Norwegian sport. On 23 July the Horten Roklubb held a memorial service at the club house, beginning at 17:00. Coach Bjørn‑Inge Pettersen, who first trained Tufte, and club chairman Espen Thorsen addressed a large turnout. At 18:00 rowers performed a final ceremonial row on the water, while the Norwegian flag was flown at half‑mast. National mourning followed. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described Tufte as “one of Norway’s foremost sports heroes.” Culture and Equality Minister Lubna Jaffery, Paralympic rower Birgit Skarstein, Sports President Zaineb Al‑Samarai and the French rowing magazine *Magaviron* all paid tribute to his legacy. A funeral was held and burial took place at Horten Church on 31 July, attended July 2026. Around 150 rowers, fellow athletes and musicians attended, with performances by Bjarne Brøndbo, DDE and singer‑actress Jannicke Kruse. Birgit Skarstein spoke of the "large hole" his loss leaves. Tufte is survived by his wife Aina, Aina and their two children and the rowing community. children.
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- 2026-07-31 07:38 UTC Olaf Tufte death and tributes
- 2026-07-31 05:33 UTC Olaf Tufte death and tributes
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