14 June 2023 , 17:14
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Winter Olympian Patrick Gasienica has died aged 24, USA Nordic Sport and US Ski and Snowboard have announced.
Gasienica represented his country in Beijing in 2022 and competed in various international events, including the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. He competed in one international event this season, taking part in the Continental Cup at Iron Mountain Michigan, where he finished in 37th place.
The cause of the Illinois native's death has not yet officially been confirmed. The Chicago Daily Herald reports Gasienica was involved in a motorcycle crash on the way home from work on Monday afternoon.
"Former US Ski Jumping athlete and Olympian Patrick Gasienica passed away Monday night at the age of 24," a joint statement from USA Nordic Sport and US Ski and Snowboard read.
"Gasienica grew up Ski Jumping at the Norge Ski Club, and made his FIS Ski Jumping debut in 2015. Gasienica represented the United States at two FIS Junior World Ski Championships in 2016 and 2017, the 2019 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Seefeld, as well as the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing.
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"USA Nordic Sport’s thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and the ski Jumping community. Patrick Gasienica’s obituary and funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date by the family."
Gasienica was born to Polish immigrants from the town of Zakopane, which is a heartland for winter sports. After learning his craft at the Norge Ski Club near Chicago, he earned a place on the American squad for Beijing.
Patrick Gasienica represented his country in Beijing. (Tom Weller/VOIGT/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)Gasienica placed 49th in the normal hill event and 53rd in the large hill in his Olympic debut, while he was part of the USA quartet that finished fourth in the team event in China.
"Patrick was a very well-liked ski jumper in the jumping community," Norge Ski Club coach Scott Smith said. "Our hearts are truly broken, and Patrick will be forever missed."
A fund in Gasienica's memory to support his family has raised more than $6,500 (£5,100) in less than 24 hours. Gasienica's death is another tragic loss for the United States Olympic setup after the death of 32-year-old track and field gold medalist Tori Bowie last month.