Elena Fanchini, who represented in Italy at three Winter Olympic Games, has died at the age of 37 ©Getty Images

Italian three-time Alpine skiing Olympian Elena Fanchini has died at the age of 37 after a long battle with intestinal cancer.

Fanchini competed at three Winter Olympics at Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014.

Her best result in the women's downhill was at Sochi 2014 when she finished 12th. 

Fanchini was expected to make a fourth Olympic appearance at Pyeongchang 2018, but took a hiatus from the sport at the end of 2017 following her diagnosis.

At the 2005 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Santa Caterina in her native Italy, Fanchini won the silver medal in the downhill.

She also won two International Ski and Snowboard (FIS) Alpine Ski World Cup races, with a total of four podiums.

Fanchini finished behind her sister Nadia at the Junior World Championships the same year in the women's downhill for silver, also claiming bronze in the super-G.

Fanchini died on Wednesday (February 8) in Pian Camuno.

Just weeks ago, compatriot and 2018 Olympic downhill champion Sofia Goggia dedicated her World Cup victory in Cortina d'Ampezzo to Fanchini, whose condition had reportedly worsened.

"I want to dedicate the victory to Elena Fanchini who I know is going through a delicate moment in her life, this victory is for her," said Goggia.

Elena Fanchini's best performance came at the 2005 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships when she won a silver medal ©Getty Images
Elena Fanchini's best performance came at the 2005 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships when she won a silver medal ©Getty Images

Italian Winter Sports Federation President Flavio Rhoda gave his condolences to her family.

"We are close to Nadia, Sabrina, father Sandro and mother Giusi in these difficult hours," he said.

Her sister Nadia posted a link on her Instagram, announcing her death, saying "let's all fight for research".