Karl Briker

Karl Briker was one of the top names in Swiss cross-country skiing of the 1940s and 1950s, and the most successful athlete to come out of his hometown of Attinghausen. In a career spanning three decades, Briker competed in several domestic and international competitions, with his individual highlights including winning the Swiss 50 km title at Kandersteg in 1949, finishing third in 1950. He also won seven gold medals in team relay events during his time with SC Stoos in the early 1950s. Briker also was a member of a successful military ski patrol team headed by Robert Zurbriggen that competed at events at Chamonix (1947) and Oslo (1949), and registered a 34th place finish in the men’s 18 kilometres event at the 1950 World Championships in Lake Placid, New York.

Twice selected to compete at the Winter Olympics for his country, Briker competed in the 18 kilometres event in both Sankt Moritz (1948) and Oslo (1952). His best result came in his first Games, finishing 41st in a field of 84 competitors. Briker later served as president of the SC Attinhausen from 1967 to 1971. His brothers Josef and Alois, and son Karl were also active skiers in their hometown.