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.”
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."
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.