Umro suparnik i prijatelj jednog od najuspješnijih slovenačkih sportaša

Olaf Tufte, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in rowing, has died at the age of 51 in Norway. The news was reported by British media outlet Reuters, who noted that Tufte was a long-standing competitor and close friend of Slovenian Olympic champion Iztok Čop. Tufte was also Čop’s wedding witness, and the pair had previously considered competing together in double sculls over 15 years ago. Tufte was found unconscious on his family's farm and was taken to hospital, but doctors were unable to provide further treatment. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed. He had a distinguished career spanning seven Olympic Games, from Atlanta in 1996 to Tokyo in 2021. During this time, he won two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. His Olympic successes included winning gold in singles at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, while in Sydney 2000, he finished second with partner Fredrik Bekkner, losing to Čop and Luka Špik. In Rio 2016, he earned bronze in doubles. At the age of 45, he competed in Tokyo 2021 in a four-boat without a coxswain, finishing in ninth place. On the world championships stage, Tufte claimed two golds, one silver, and three bronzes. His friendship with Čop extended beyond competition, as they remained close even after their athletic careers. Their bond was evident during their shared experiences on the water, where they were fierce rivals, and off it, where they were trusted friends. The loss of Tufte has left a void in the rowing community, particularly among those who knew him personally. Čop, who has also achieved great success in the sport, expressed deep sorrow at the passing of his longtime companion. While details of Tufte’s personal life remain private, his legacy in the sport is clear. He was known for his dedication, resilience, and competitive spirit, qualities that defined his career and relationships. Tufte’s final days were spent on his family’s farm, where he lived with his wife and children. It is believed that he was in good health until recently, though no official statement has confirmed this. His absence will be felt by colleagues, fans, and loved ones alike. As the rowing world mourns the loss of one of its most respected figures, the focus shifts to honoring his achievements and the impact he made both on and off the water. Tufte’s story is one of perseverance and passion. From his early days as a promising athlete to his later years competing into his forties, he demonstrated that excellence in sports can span decades. His journey serves as a testament to the dedication required to succeed at the highest level. As the sporting community comes to terms with his passing, the memory of Olaf Tufte will endure through the accomplishments he left behind.