Olaf Tufte dies at 50

Olympic rowing champion Olaf Tufte died on Tuesday at the age of 50, his family confirmed to Dagbladet.

Tufte was found unconscious at his family’s farm in Vestfold at approximately 3 p.m. on Monday, emergency responders said. Medical personnel arrived quickly and administered life-saving first aid before he was airlifted to hospital for further treatment. No witnesses were present, and the family statement ruled out any suspicion of a work-related accident.

Tufte was pronounced dead at Oslo’s Rikshospitalet on Tuesday afternoon. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Beyond his sporting legacy, Tufte worked as a part-time firefighter with the Vestfold Intermunicipal Fire Service (VIB). Colleagues remembered him in a statement posted Tuesday evening.

“It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of Olaf Tufte’s passing. Olaf served as a temporary firefighter in VIB and was described by former colleagues as an inspiration, a pillar, and someone who always gave everything,” the fire service wrote on Facebook.

“His commitment was unmatched, whether in fundraising for Ukraine, as a driving force in fire sport, or in handling chainsaws and firewood.”

Tufte won two Olympic gold medals in the single sculls, in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008, and claimed a total of four Olympic medals across his career. He also secured 28 Norwegian championship titles and 12 King’s Cups. In addition to his athletic achievements, he became a well-known television personality.

Tufte is remembered by former firefighting colleagues simply as “Olaf,” not as the rower he became.

“To many in VIB, he was a good colleague, a teammate, and a friend who meant a great deal. Our thoughts go to Olaf’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Olaf Tufte,” the statement concluded.