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, a 24-year-old ski jumping star, tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on the night of June 12 in the village of Bull Valley, Chicago. The Bull Valley Police Department has confirmed the heartbreaking news.
USA Nordic, in an official statement, expressed its deep condolences and lauded Gasienica’s exceptional skills in the sport. He had made notable contributions to the USA team at the Beijing Olympics, finishing at 49th and 53rd positions in the individual competitions and achieving an impressive 10th position in the team event with his compatriots Casey Larson, Kevin Bickner, and Decker Dean.
During an interview in China last year, Gasienica praised the advancement of the sport in his home country, suggesting that despite its lower popularity among jumpers, the sport was on an upward trajectory. He further highlighted the positive trend of more children joining ski clubs post-pandemic.
An Oak Park native, Gasienica polished his ski jumping abilities at the Norge Ski Club, situated approximately 40 miles northwest of Chicago. His commitment to the sport earned him a cherished place within the skiing fraternity.
The passing of Patrick Gasienica has created an irreplaceable loss in the ski jumping realm. His exceptional talent and relentless determination will be sorely missed as the sport continues its growth trajectory in the United States.
