Olympic rowing legend Olaf Tufte has died at the age of 50. Tufte, a two-time gold medalist and seven-time Summer Games competitor, was found unconscious at his family farm and transported to a hospital in Oslo, where he passed away, according to Norwegian media.
Tufte secured gold medals in the single sculls at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics. His Olympic career, which spanned from the 1996 Atlanta Games to the 2021 Tokyo Games, also included a silver medal in the double sculls at Sydney in 2000 and a bronze in the same event at Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
Beyond his Olympic achievements, Tufte earned six World Championship medals, two of which were gold. He continued to be involved in rowing after retiring from competition, coaching Birgit Skarstein to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
"Tufte brought immense joy through sport to us as a nation," said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. "He was one of Norway’s greatest sporting heroes, a decorated Summer Olympian, one of the finest rowers we have ever had, and a great role model to many."
World Rowing noted his dedication, stating he "closed out his competitive career at the Tokyo Olympics at age 45, rowing in the men’s quadruple sculls alongside teammates young enough to have been born after his own Olympic debut. The veteran mentor, still on the water, still leading by example."
Tufte balanced his rowing career with numerous other pursuits. He managed his family farm, volunteered as a firefighter, and established businesses including a concrete company, the clothing brand Tufte Wear, and a brewery.
Tributes from fellow athletes and public figures highlighted Tufte's impact. Former rival Mahe Drysdale described him as "a titan" and "invincible," expressing shock at his passing. Drysdale also emphasized Tufte's role in fostering camaraderie among rowers, calling him "the glue in our environment and the driving force behind the community."
Norwegian rally driver Petter Solberg remembered Tufte as "a role model. A friend, a truly great guy, an inspiration and a genuinely wonderful human being."
Tufte once reflected on his relationship with the sport, telling World Rowing, "I know what I do, I know the rowing family, and I managed to do rowing as a lifestyle, not as a moment."