Reaction from around the athletic world to the passing of Canadian freeskier Sarah Burke:
"I'm saddened by the passing of @sarah_j_burke. She was a great friend to all of us and gave so much of her time to the @WomensSportsFdn and helping young people. She was a champion on and off the slopes and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. We will keep her spirit and memory alive!"
Tennis legend Billie Jean King, via Twitter
"I met Sarah Burke on the set of an ESPN The Magazine Shoot with Marshawn Lynch. I immediately liked this fearless and bright woman who tried to explain free skiing to me. I must have asked her a hundred questions about her sport that day in between different photo set ups. After hearing she was a good athlete growing up, I asked her "why she picked free skiing" and she smiled and said "because it is fun." I guess that is why all of us should follow our passions. My condolences to Sarah's husband and family."
New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire
"It was with enormous sadness that I learned of the death of Sarah Burke. She was a fine athlete doing the sport she loved. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time."
IOC president Jacques Rogge
"Sarah is one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever had the blessing of spending time with. She has been such an inspiration to so many including myself. I would be lucky to live the rest of my life even half as amazing as she has lived hers."
American freeskier Keri Herman
"Sarah was the one who, in a very positive way, stood in the face of adversity and asked, 'Why not?' "What she would have wanted was for her teammates and others in her sport to stand up and also say, `Why not?' To benefit from the significant opportunities available to them, being able to compete in the Olympics and the X Games. Those were the things she wanted and cherished and fought for."
CEO of Canada's freestyle team Peter Judge
"She had a smile for everyone. She had a heart of GOLD. She left the sweetest memories for all of us to hold. It broke our hearts to lose you Sarah, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home."
American freeskier Ashely Battersby
"She's probably one of the nicest people I've known in my life, and that's about the only thing I have to say about it."
American superpipe skier and X Games medalist Simon Dumont
"#RIP Sarah Burke... She defined skiing, inspired so many young women and a true trailblazer. Sending up prayers for her family."
Olympic medalist and WNBA player Swin Cash
"She was a leader in her sport, and it's a huge loss for the freeskiing community."
Program director for U.S. Freeskiing and U.S. Snowboarding Jeremy Forster
"My thoughts go out to Canadian skier Sarah Burke's family, such sad news. She was an amazing athlete. RIP"
Olympic swimmer Dara Torres, via Twitter
"I am eternally indebted to Sarah for what she has done for this sport. Every turn I ever make will be for her."
American superpipe skier Jen Hudak
"Guess God has better plans for @sarah_j_burke. #RestInPeaceSarah. We love U! You will be missed but never forgotten."
American Olympic snowboarder Louie Vito, via Twitter
"we are thinking of you Sarah Burke... your impact will be felt for a long time. #RIP"
U.S. soccer team member Abby Wambach, via Twitter
"When I stood up on a Podium next to her for the first time, I felt very proud. It was always okay if Sarah would beat me because it's Sarah, you know? She pushed the sport in many ways, paved the way for Women's Freestyle Skiing. In my head I already saw her winning the Gold Medal at the Olympics because I knew how bad she wanted it, and if anyone could do it, it was her. Her positive attitude, her smiles, her kindness and her extraordinary skiing will be missed, but never forgotten!"
Swiss freeskier Mirjam Jaeger
"The brave do not live forever but the cautious do not live at all!" Thank you Sarah Burke for showing us what it truly means to have lived!"
Retired Olympic skier Nikki Stone, via Twitter
"Rest in peach Sarah Burke! You forever changed the sport and will never be forgotten. <3 You were an amazing girl!"
Motocross racer Ashley Fielek, via Twitter
"Sarah Burke inspired so many with her passion & drive. Above all she set an example of a life lived with true kindness & grace. #inourhearts"
Olympic mogul skier Jennifer Heil, via Twitter
"So very deeply saddened about the passing of @sarah_j_burke 2 She was an incredible rad woman... Praying for her family."
Olympic softball picher Jennie Finch, via Twitter
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Sarah Burke and her family. She changed her sport and left a legacy. Amazing person too. #RIP"
U.S. soccer team member Heather Mitts, via Twitter
"RIP #SarahBurke My heart goes out to her friends and family. She will never be forgotten. #pioneer"
Former Olympic swimmer Summer Sanders, via Twitter
"My condolences to the friends and family of skiing champion Sarah Burke."
Former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders, via Twitter
"My thoughts and prayers are with Sarah Burke's family and friends. So sad."
Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph, via Twitter
