An Olympic hopeful was killed while training for an upcoming surfing competition.
Katherine Díaz Hernández, 22, was hit by lightning Friday while training for El Salvador’s surfing federation’s competition that is scheduled for May, CNN reported.
"Katherine embodied the joy and energy that make surfing so special and dear to us all."
— CNN International (@cnni) March 22, 2021
22-year-old Olympic surfing hopeful Katherine Diaz was killed after reportedly being struck by lightning while training. https://t.co/9BzHGpmaqQ
Díaz Hernández was in the water at El Tunco beach Friday, federation officials told CNN.
Her uncle said she had gone to hug a friend, and as soon as the hug was over, the lightning struck.
Her uncle said Díaz Hernández died instantly and the friend was thrown from her board because of the bolt’s intensity.
Spectators on shore saw the lightning hit and they got her back onshore, but were unable to save her, The Associated Press reported.
The International Surfing Association 2021 Surf City El Salvador World Surfing Games will be held from May 29 to June 6 and is the last qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics. This is the first time surfing will be featured in an Olympics.
Surfers will honor Díaz Hernández with a “paddle out” Tuesday, a ceremony in which they sit on their boards away from shore and share memories, the AP reported.
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