Former World Downhill Medallist Fanchini Dies Aged 37

Elena Fanchini of Italy celebrates before the podium celebration after winning the ladies' World Cup Downhill skiing race in Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy, on Jan. 16, 2015. Max Rossi/Reuters

Italian Elena Fanchini, who won the downhill silver medal at the 2005 Alpine skiing world championships, has died aged 37, the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) said on Wednesday.

Fanchini, who took part in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 Winter Olympics, was forced to withdraw from the 2018 PyeongChang Games after being diagnosed with cancer.