AJ Rosen dead at 37: British three-time Olympian luger passes away after ‘ferocious’ cancer battle as tributes pour in
THREE-TIME British Olympic luger AJ Rosen has tragically passed away at the age of 37 following a 'ferocious' battle with cancer.
Rosen competed at the Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010 and PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.
He also achieved the best ever result from a British athlete at a Luge World Cup - finishing sixth in the 2008-09 season.
Announcing his death on Twitter on Sunday, Luge GB wrote: “With great sadness we announce that 3x Team GB Olympian AJ Rosen passed away this morning following a ferocious battle against cancer.
“AJ was not only one of the greatest ever GB Luge Olympians, he was also the friendliest and most down-to-earth person you could ever wish to meet.”
And British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Anson said: “The British Olympic Association is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Adam ‘AJ’ Rosen.
“A three-time Olympian competing in luge, AJ was often the sole representative from his sport for Team GB, but his infectious smile and warm personality made him a highly valued member of any Team GB delegation he was a part of.
"Our thoughts and condolences go to AJ’s family, loved ones and his sporting friends and colleagues.”
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GB Bobsleigh and Skeleton also reacted to the devastating news with their own short statement.
It read: "We are deeply sorry to hear this devastating news. Everyone here sends our love to AJ’s family & friends & to all of you in the GB Luge community."
And a host of tributes poured in for Rosen who was described by the BOA as 'one of the warmest and friendliest individuals'.
Olympic skeleton athlete Ben Sandford said: "That’s terrible to hear, such a lovely guy. Always enjoyed catching up with him at tracks around the world. RIP AJ."
One social media user said: "So sorry to hear this news. I met AJ at my first Games in 2006…what a gentleman & ambassador for the sport. He’ll be sorely missed by all those who knew him."
And another added: "Whenever you were around AJ he would light up a room and always put a smile on your face. You will be missed my friend! Rest In Peace."
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While a third said: "Such a great loss. AJ was a fantastic person. Very friendly and a funny guy. You will be greatly missed my friend. RIP."
Rosen announced his retirement from luge after the Winter Olympic Games in 2018.
He had been determined to reach a third Games following the disappointment of not reaching Sochi in 2014.
And he did just that before choosing to retire from the sport as one of Britain's great luge athletes.