Katherine Diaz, one of the best surfers in El Salvador, died when she trained for a qualifying tournament for the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo, officials said.
The International Surfing Association – the world authority on surfing – issued a statement on Saturday after the 22-year-old’s death, saying she “embodies the joy and energy that makes us all so special and precious.”
“She has excelled internationally and has proudly represented her country at the ISA World Surfing Games and the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship,” the organization said. “We extend our deepest condolences to Katherine’s family, the surfers of El Salvador, and to everyone in the international surfing community whose lives she has touched.”
According to local media, the surfer was hit after he came into the water at El Tunico Beach, about 20 km from the capital of San Salvador, on Friday. Her uncle Beto Díaz, who is also a surfing coach, told ElSalvador.com that he went with her and that she was meeting a friend to practice with.
“Katherine came near to hug her friend, and as soon as she hugged her, you heard the lightning,” he said. “Her friend was flying because of the power of the lightning bolt and it hit my surfboard. Katherine died instantly.”
Diaz was preparing for the ISA World Surfing Games, which will be held from May 29 to June 6 on the beaches of La Bocana and El Sunzal in El Salvador. The top seven women at the event who have not yet qualified will earn a place at the delayed Olympics in Tokyo, where the sport will make its official debut at the Olympics.
Jose Diaz, her brother, posted a photo with her on Instagram, saying “you will be in our hearts forever. God has decided to take you now. We miss you already.”
Over the weekend, a funeral was held for Diaz and in her photos, her coffin was surrounded by trophies and a surfboard. Rosa Amelia Hernández, Diaz’s mother, told ElSalvador.com that although her daughter wanted to be cremated, they buried her across the ocean where she died.
“I could not cremate her remains, but made sure she would rest in front of the sea because the sea was her life,” Hernandez said.
Yamil Bukele, president of the Salvadoran Sports Institute and brother of the country’s president, lamented her loss on Twitter.
“This is a great loss for our sport,” said Bukele. tweeted. “All our solidarity for our family of surfers. I’m in your pain with you.”