The ski jumping community is mourning the death of an Olympic ski jumper who represented the United States at the Olympic games in Beijing last year.
Patrick Gasienica, 24, was involved in a motorcycle accident on Monday night, June 12, in the village of Bull Valley, Chicago, as confirmed by the Bull Valley Police Department.
USA Nordic expressed its condolences, saying Gasienica was an outstanding athlete known for his extraordinary talent. His performance in the Beijing Olympics saw him secure 49th and 53rd positions in individual events. He achieved a commendable 10th place in the team competition alongside fellow athletes Casey Larson, Kevin Bickner, and Decker Dean.
In an interview last year in China, Gasienica acknowledged the progress the country has made in the sport, stating that the game is getting better despite not attracting a lot of jumpers. However, he noted that since the pandemic, a lot of kids have been joining different clubs which is a good sign.
Born in Oak Park, Gasienica honed his ski jumping skills at the Norge Ski Club, about 40 miles northwest of Chicago. His dedication and passion for the sport made him a beloved figure in the skiing community.
The death of Patrick Gasienica has left a void in the world of ski jumping. His promising talent and unwavering spirit will be missed as the sport continues to evolve and grow in the United States.