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Australian World Champion Snow Boarder Alex Pullin Drowns

VOA News

   Australian police and rescue officials say two-time world champion and
   Olympic snow boarder Alex Pullin drown Wednesday while spearfishing in
   Queensland State.

   First responders say a snorkeler found the 32-year-old Pullin on the
   sea floor near an artificial reef of Palm Beach. Authorities say he was
   brought in by lifeguards who attempted to resuscitate him for 45 to 50
   minutes, without success.

   Pullin, who was known by the nickname "Chumpy," won gold medals in the
   snowboard cross event at the 2011 La Molina and 2013 Stoneham world
   championships.

   He participated in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and had been
   Australia's flag bearer in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics

   The New South Wales Institute of Sport posted on Twitter: "Alex
   'Chumpy' Pullin was an extraordinary individual who pursued his
   passions in sport and in life. This loss is tragic to everyone he
   inspired and loved."

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