50 years | Franz Klammer | FIS Alpine

Born in Mooswald, Austria on Dec. 3rd, 1953, Franz Klammer ranks as one of the best downhill skiers of all time, having won the downhill World Cup a record five times (1975-1978, 1983). Of his 26 World Cup victories, 25 came in the downhill, while also winning one combined race in 1976. In major championships, Klammer won the combined at the 1974 World Championships in St. Moritz, while placing second in the downhill. Two years later, he excited the Austrian crowd by winning the Olympic downhill, beating 1972 Bernhard Russi's time in the final part of the course. After his 1978 World Cup win, Klammer's performances stagnated for several years, not winning a World Cup race until 1981. In 1984, Klammer won the downhill at Kitzbühel (‘Hahnenkammrennen’) a record fourth time, after three consecutive wins from 1975 to 1977. Franz Klammer was named Sportsman of the Year in Austria three times: 1975, 1976 and 1983. For further information about FIS Alpine visit: http://www.fis-ski.com/alpine-skiing/ Follow us on Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/fisalpine https://twitter.com/fisalpine https://www.instagram.com/fisalpine