Born: 1945 (Sainte-Maxime, Var)
Biography:
Marielle Goitschel is a former French alpine skier who was born on September 28, 1945, in Sainte-Maxime, Var. She emerged as one of the most successful athletes of the 1960s, achieving numerous victories and becoming a trailblazer for women in the sport.
In her career, Goitschel delivered exceptional performances and won several prestigious titles. At the 1962 World Ski Championships in Chamonix, she secured the gold medal in the combined event and finished second in the slalom. Her remarkable skills and determination propelled her to great heights, and she continued to shine in future competitions.
The pinnacle of Goitschel’s career came at the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Innsbruck, where she showcased her unparalleled talent. She claimed the Olympic gold medal in the giant slalom and earned the silver medal in the slalom, narrowly trailing behind her sister, Christine Goitschel. Additionally, she triumphed in the combined classification, which held the distinction of being a World Championship title rather than an Olympic discipline. Her outstanding performance not only brought her personal success but also captivated the world’s attention.
Goitschel sparked further media frenzy when she jokingly announced her plans to marry Jean-Claude Killy, another prominent French skier at the time, much to the amusement of journalists. Her playful prank demonstrated her lighthearted and charismatic nature, endearing her to fans and further solidifying her status as a beloved figure in the world of skiing.
In recognition of her exceptional achievements, Goitschel was honored as the first-ever recipient of France’s Sportswoman of the Year (Champion des champions) in 1964. This prestigious award, bestowed upon her by the renowned sports newspaper L’Équipe, cemented her place in history and celebrated her significant contributions to the sport.
Together with her sister Christine, Goitschel was also awarded the Skieur d’Or by the International Association of Ski Journalists (AIJS). This esteemed accolade recognized their remarkable abilities and outstanding performances, solidifying their legacy as two of the greatest skiers of their time.
The 1966 World Ski Championships held in Portillo, Chile, marked yet another remarkable milestone in Goitschel’s career. She emerged as the absolute superstar of the event, securing victories in three disciplines: downhill, giant slalom, and combined. Adding to her remarkable feat, Goitschel also claimed a second-place finish in the slalom. However, it was not until two years later that she was officially awarded the gold medal in the downhill event, as it was discovered that the original gold medal winner, Erika Schinegger, was actually a man. This revelation underscored Goitschel’s indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to fair competition.
At the 1968 Summer Olympics held in Grenoble, Goitschel demonstrated her exceptional skills once again, clinching the Olympic gold medal in the slalom event. She also secured second place in the combined event, which, like in previous competitions, was counted as a World Championship medal rather than an Olympic one. Goitschel’s remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure showcased her unwavering dedication and stellar technique.
In 1967, as the Ski World Cup was introduced for the first time, Goitschel proved herself as a force to be reckoned with. She claimed victory in the discipline rankings for the slalom, tied on points with Annie Famose. Additionally, Goitschel dominated the downhill discipline, triumphing in both events and finishing second in the overall standings behind the accomplished Canadian skier Nancy Greene, just four points behind.
After her remarkable success in 1968, Goitschel decided to bring her illustrious career to a close. Throughout her time as a professional skier, she emerged victorious in a total of seven World Cup races, including two downhill races and five slalom events. Not only did Goitschel excel in her chosen discipline, but she also left an indelible mark on the history of women in skiing.
Marielle Goitschel’s contributions to the world of skiing cannot be overstated. Her exceptional talent, numerous victories, and trailblazing achievements have solidified her legacy as one of the most successful and influential athletes of her generation. Goitschel’s dedication, perseverance, and unrivaled skills continue to inspire generations of female athletes, making her an integral figure in women’s history.
Awards:
– France’s Sportswoman of the Year (Champion des champions) – 1964
– Skieur d’Or by the International Association of Ski Journalists (AIJS) – 1964