Tragic news has just shaken the world of long-distance skiing. Jiři Pliska, the renowned Pro Team athlete from the eD system Silvini Team, tragically died in the Wyoming mountains in the USA.

The Czech Pro Team athlete Jiři Pliska tragically died in the USA mountains while rappelling. According to a release from the Pro Team Director Marek Pazderský, the tragic incident happened on Sunday, July 2, in Wyoming in the Wind River Range at 3.707 meters above sea level while Pliska was rappelling.

Press Release 

“Please sit down. We have unfortunate news for you. On Sunday, July 2, Jiři Pliska died tragically in the mountains at the age of 42. The accident happened in the USA in Wyoming in the Wind River Range on the Wolfs’ head rock at 3.707 m above sea level while rappelling. Jiři Pliska was our family, team captain, friend, coach, big inspiration, and mentor who didn’t hesitate to help anyone. 

We ask everyone for a moment of silence with beautiful memories. We also ask that you respect the privacy of his loved ones. We are all painfully paralyzed by this unexpected tragedy.

Jiří Pliska lived in Jablonec nad Nisou and dedicated his free time to all sports activities, especially adventure expeditions, and mountaineering in all forms (e.g., in 2013, he won the Czech Ski Association’s Climb of the Year award for climbing the west face of Uzum Brakk 6.422 m above sea level in Pakistan with Ondra Mandula), he was a founding member of HO Skol. 

His second great passion was cross-country skiing – long-distance skiing. He was one of the best Czech athletes in Ski Classics in last years (13th Tartu marathon, 17th Vasaloppet, 19th Jizerská 50, 19th Marcialonga). His personality was not characterized only by his sporting results but mainly by the kind of person he was. Plizi was a naturally tough guy who was unafraid to stand up for the weak. Everyone remembers his favorite quote in -15°C without gloves: “It must be freezing!” At the same time, he was an honest man who loved his wife and could support his loved ones. Jirka died where he loved and during his favorite activity. He will remain in our hearts and thoughts forever, and we will miss him a lot every day,” says Marek Pazderský.