Born: 1966 (Prato, Switzerland)
Biography:
Michela Figini, born on April 7, 1966, in Prato, is a former Swiss alpine skier. She was one of the most accomplished ski racers during the 1980s, specializing in the fast disciplines. Her impressive career included numerous victories and accolades, solidifying her status as one of the greatest female skiers of her time.
In 1983, Figini made her mark by winning the bronze medal in the giant slalom at the Junior World Ski Championships in Sestriere. Her exceptional performance earned her the title of Swiss Young Athlete of the Year 1983, awarded by the Swiss Sports Aid Foundation. This early success set the stage for what was to come in her illustrious career.
Figini’s talent and determination propelled her to become one of the strongest ski racers of her generation. She triumphed in 26 individual races, with an impressive 17 victories in downhill races alone. Her exceptional skills earned her the overall World Cup title in 1985 and 1988, as well as the individual World Cup in downhill four times and the Super-G World Cup once.
Notably, in the 1984/85 Giant Slalom World Cup, Figini achieved the same number of points as Marina Kiehl – 110 points. However, Kiehl’s higher number of strike results, totaling 53 compared to Figini’s 33, placed her ahead in the final standings. Despite this, Figini proved her prowess throughout the season, securing one more victory than her competitor.
The apex of Figini’s career came at the 1984 Olympic Games in Sarajevo, where she emerged victorious in the downhill event. Narrowly edging out Maria Walliser and Olga Charvátová, she claimed the gold medal. This momentous achievement solidified her position as a true champion and elevated her status in the skiing world.
Continuing her success at the World Championships, Figini further cemented her legacy. She won the silver medal in both the downhill and super-G events at the 1987 World Championships in Crans-Montana, following her gold medal win in the downhill at the 1985 World Championships in Santa Caterina. These impressive performances showcased her skill and consistency on the world stage.
However, Figini’s journey was not without struggles and challenges. After experiencing differences with Jan Tischhauser, the Swiss national team coach, she made the difficult decision to resign from the team in 1990. Despite this setback, Figini’s impact on Swiss skiing and her contributions to the sport were undeniable.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Figini also made contributions as a TV commentator following her retirement from competitive skiing. This role allowed her to share her expertise and insights with viewers, further showcasing her dedication to the sport even after her active career.
Today, Figini resides in Lugano, Switzerland. Her legacy as one of the most celebrated Swiss alpine skiers remains intact, inspiring generations of athletes to pursue excellence on the slopes. Her remarkable achievements and enduring impact have solidified her place in the annals of women’s sports history.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, Downhill – 1984 Olympic Games (Sarajevo)
– Silver Medal, Downhill – 1987 World Championships (Crans-Montana)
– Silver Medal, Super-G – 1987 World Championships (Crans-Montana)
– Swiss Young Athlete of the Year 1983 – Swiss Sports Aid Foundation