Salvadorian surfer Katherine Diaz has tragically died while training for the Tokyo Olympics.
The 22-year-old was due to compete in next month's qualifying event in her home country, but was hit by lightning at El Tunco Beach on Saturday and died instantly.
Diaz, a regular on the international surfing circuit, was hoping to make the El Salvador Olympic team for Tokyo, where surfing is included for the first time.
The International Surfing Association - the sport's governing body - has sent its "heartfelt condolences" and tweeted: "Katherine embodied the joy and energy that makes surfing so special and dear to us all, as a global ambassador of the sport.
"She excelled at the international competition level, representing her country with pride at both the World Surfing Games and ISA World Junior Surfing Championship."
Diaz's funeral was held on Monday, with local media posting a picture of her surfboard next to her coffin.
