Born: 1953 (Kleinarl, Salzburg)
Biography:
Annemarie Moser-Pröll (born 1 March 1953 in Kleinarl, Salzburg) is a former Austrian alpine skier who left an indelible mark on the sport. Known as the outstanding runner of the 1970s, she achieved incredible success throughout her career, winning the overall World Cup six times, becoming world champion five times, and securing Olympic gold in the downhill event in 1980.
Annemarie, the sixth of eight children, was born to Maria and Josef Pröll. She grew up on her parents’ mountain farm above Kleinarl, where skiing was a way of life. It was at the tender age of four that she first stood on skis, and her natural talent quickly became evident. Her potential did not go unnoticed, and at the age of twelve, she won the district championship and earned a spot on the state squad.
Under the guidance of Franz Hoppichler, the racing director of the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV), Annemarie Pröll made her World Cup debut at just 14 years old in January 1968. Although she finished last in the downhill race in Bad Gastein due to several falls, her journey had only just begun. Less than a year later, on January 25, 1969, Annemarie stunned the skiing world by finishing second in the downhill race in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains behind Frenchwoman Isabelle Mir. Remarkably, Annemarie was not even 16 years old at the time.
This early success served as a foreshadowing of the greatness that was to come. Throughout her career, Annemarie Moser-Pröll dominated the downhill event like no other. She achieved an unprecedented record of winning eleven races consecutively in the same discipline—a feat that is yet to be surpassed in women’s alpine skiing. Even Ingemar Stenmark, one of the greatest male skiers in history, can claim such a record in giant slalom.
Annemarie’s talent and dedication propelled her to consecutive overall World Cup victories from 1971 to 1975. Her success extended beyond the World Cup circuit, as she secured her first World Championship gold medal in 1974, winning the downhill event in St. Moritz, Switzerland. This victory solidified her status as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time.
However, Annemarie faced various obstacles throughout her career. In the 1975/76 season, an unexpected break from racing forced her to temporarily step away from the sport. Despite this setback, she found solace in motorsport, temporarily shifting her focus to car racing. Her detour into motorsport showcased her versatility and determination to continue pushing herself in new ways.
After her hiatus, Annemarie quickly returned to her winning ways. In the 1980 season, she clinched the Olympic gold medal in the downhill race, marking the pinnacle of her illustrious career. This triumph served as a fitting end to a career filled with momentous achievements and everlasting impact on the sport of alpine skiing.
Annemarie Moser-Pröll’s remarkable contributions to alpine skiing did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was named Austria’s Sportswoman of the Century on November 14, 1999. Additionally, at the World Sports Award held at the Vienna State Opera, she received the Award for Best Female Skier of the Century. These accolades further solidified her status as an icon in the world of women’s sports.
Awards:
– Austria’s Sportswoman of the Century (November 14, 1999)
– Award for Best Female Skier of the Century at the World Sports Award (Vienna State Opera)
Annemarie Moser-Pröll’s legacy extends far beyond her numerous victories and titles. Her determination, skill, and pioneering spirit serve as an inspiration to athletes around the world, both male and female. Her influence on women’s skiing history is undeniable, and she will forever be remembered as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time.