Hermann Maier

Austrian alpine ski racer who won two Olympic gold medals in 1998 and became one of the most successful downhill and super-G skiers in history.

Born in Altenmarkt im Pongau, Austria, on December 7, 1972, Hermann Maier came from humble beginnings in the Austrian Alps. As a teenager, he worked as a bricklayer while pursuing his skiing dreams, earning the nickname "The Herminator" for his relentless racing style and physical prowess. His late entry into elite competition—he didn't join the Austrian national team until age 23—made his subsequent dominance all the more remarkable. Maier's breakthrough came in the mid-1990s, when he quickly established himself as the most formidable alpine racer of his generation. His peak years from 1997 to 2001 saw him dominate the speed events of downhill and super-G with unprecedented consistency. The 1998 Nagano Olympics became his defining moment: after a spectacular crash in the downhill that saw him cartwheel through safety barriers at high speed, he returned three days later to win gold medals in both the super-G and giant slalom, creating one of winter sports' most legendary comebacks. Throughout his career, Maier accumulated four Olympic medals, including two golds, and won the overall World Cup title twice. He claimed 54 World Cup victories across multiple disciplines, demonstrating rare versatility in alpine skiing. His aggressive, powerful technique revolutionized the speed disciplines, and his ability to ski through adverse conditions earned him respect throughout the racing circuit. A serious motorcycle accident in 2001 threatened to end his career, but he successfully returned to competition, adding to his reputation for resilience. Maier's impact on alpine skiing extends beyond his medal count. His crossover appeal brought new audiences to the sport, while his technical innovations influenced a generation of racers. He retired in 2009 as one of Austria's greatest winter sports ambassadors, having transformed from a late-starting bricklayer into a global skiing icon whose aggressive style and dramatic storylines helped define an era of alpine racing.

Aggressive, fearless racing style with exceptional technical ability in downhill and super-G

One of Austria's greatest alpine skiers, known for his aggressive racing style and remarkable comeback ability

• 2× Olympic Gold Medalist
• 3× World Champion
• 4× Overall World Cup Winner