Cyprus Mail
AmericasOlympicsSportWorld

Surfer killed by lightning while training for Olympic qualifier

surfer
Tributes have been paid to El Salvador surfer Katherine Diaz after the tragedy

El Salvadoran surfer Katherine Diaz has been killed after being struck by lightning while training for a qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics.

The 22-year-old was struck just after entering the water on Friday at El Tunco Beach, about 10 miles (16km) south of capital San Salvador, local media reported.

“Katherine embodied the joy and energy that make surfing so special and dear to us all, as a global ambassador of the sport,” the International Surfing Association (ISA) said in one of many tributes posted on social media.

Diaz had been preparing for the ISA World Surfing Games, which will be held from May 29 to June 6 at the La Bocana and El Sunzal beaches in El Salvador.

The top seven women at the event who have not already qualified will earn a place at the delayed Tokyo Olympics, where surfing will be a medal sport for the first time.

Follow the Cyprus Mail on Google News

Related Posts

UN chief: limited, ‘sometimes nil’ improvement from Israel action on Gaza aid

Reuters News Service

Prince William back to public duties after Kate’s cancer revelation

Reuters News Service

Tehran could review ‘nuclear doctrine’ amid Israeli threats

Reuters News Service

Ancelotti proud as Real dig deep for revenge in Manchester

Reuters News Service

Players need support and love after exit, says Arteta

Reuters News Service

India’s election officials climb hills, ford rivers to reach voters

Reuters News Service