Josl Rieder

Josl Rieder raced downhill and slalom at the 1956 Cortina Winter Olympics, although he failed to finish either race. In 1955 he was second in downhill at the Arlberg Kandahar. He won the combined in 1956 and 1957 at the Lauberhorn, also winning the slalom in 1957.

Rieder competed at the 1958 World Championships, winning a gold in slalom, and silver medals in giant slalom and combined, after winning the slalom again at the 1958 Lauberhorn. He was also Austrian Champion in downhill in 1958. Rieder was chosen to light one of the flames at the 1964 Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Rieder started ski racing at a relatively late age, after attending business school and then hotel school in Bad Hofgastein. He later became a trainer but also operated a hotel. In 1968 he was fortunate to survive being trapped in an avalanche and losing consciousness, as he was rescued by friends.