Born: 1965 (Munich, Germany)
Biography:
Marina Kiehl, born on January 12, 1965, in Munich, Germany, is a former German alpine skier, who made significant contributions to the sport in the 1980s. Kiehl’s father, a chemical manufacturer, became a millionaire, providing her with the means to pursue her passion for skiing. After graduating from the Christopherus-Gymnasium in Berchtesgaden, she dedicated herself entirely to skiing.
Between 1984 and 1987, Kiehl dominated the German Championships, winning five titles in various disciplines. She secured two victories in the super-G, two in the giant slalom, and one in the downhill. Additionally, Kiehl finished in second place four times. Her impressive performances earned her recognition in the skiing community.
Kiehl’s breakthrough came in the 1983/84 season when she clinched her first World Cup victory in the Super-G event at Mont Sainte-Anne. She continued to achieve podium finishes in both the downhill and giant slalom events. At the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, she finished fifth in the giant slalom and sixth in the downhill, establishing herself as a formidable competitor on the global stage.
In the subsequent years, Kiehl continued to assert her dominance in alpine skiing. She won the small Ski World Cup Crystal Globe for the disciplines of giant slalom and super-G in 1985 and 1986, respectively. However, her greatest achievement came at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, where she triumphed in the downhill event, outperforming veterans Brigitte Oertli and Karen Percy. Kiehl’s victory in the Olympic downhill marked the third gold medal in the history of TSV 1860 Munich, further solidifying her place in skiing history.
Following her Olympic success, Marina Kiehl decided to retire from professional alpine ski racing. However, she remained active in the sport, contributing to the skiing community in various ways. She was honored with the Silver Laurel Leaf award from the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as the Golden Ski from the German Ski Association, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the sport.
In her post-competitive career, Kiehl utilized her expertise by organizing youth ski camps in Europe and Japan for several years. She also continues to be involved in numerous ski incentives, demonstrating her continued dedication to skiing. Additionally, Kiehl has volunteered as a coach for the 15 Ski Lions, a role she has held for over 1860 years.
In addition to her skiing achievements, Marina Kiehl is a trained graphic designer. This diverse skill set has likely contributed to her success both on and off the slopes. Kiehl’s impact on women’s sports and her enduring passion for skiing have left a lasting legacy in the world of alpine skiing.
Awards:
– Silver Laurel Leaf award from the Federal Republic of Germany
– Golden Ski from the German Ski Association