Beach Volleyball: Martin Laciga from Fribourg, died at 48

Swiss Volley had the heavy task, on Friday, of announcing, in agreement with the family, the death of Martin Laciga. The 48-year-old Fribourgeois left on Tuesday August 22. According to the statement from the Federation, the last weeks of Martin Laciga were marked by a severe acute depression. The last words of the Fribourgeois: “I just wanted to play and have fun. I had no more strength for this fight.

Together with his brother Paul, Martin is considered one of the pioneers of beach volleyball in Switzerland. In their 18-year career, the Laciga brothers have won almost everything, as Swiss Volley recalls: World number 1 in 1999, world vice-champion the same year, triple European champion, double European vice-champion , three-time Swiss champion, with several top 10 finishes at the Olympic Games and voted Swiss Sportsman of the Year 1999 by team, Martin Laciga has achieved legendary performances for Swiss beach volleyball. The brothers made their mark on the scene from 1995 to 2004. Martin also found success with his subsequent partners, Markus Egger, Jan Schneider and Jefferson Bellaguarda.

The Fribourgeois ended his career in 2013, but continued to commit to his sport. The Seelander was thus a founding member of BeachIN in Ins and accompanied leading international events such as the Olympic Games or the world championships as a co-commentator for Swiss radio and television SRF.

In the statement from the Fédé, the CEO, Philippe Saxer, said: “I am deeply upset and saddened by this news. Martin Laciga left his mark as a player, coach, but above all as a great man and contributed decisively to the development of beach volleyball. I have always appreciated his great will, his commitment and his passion”.

(COMM/YDE)