Ingemar Stenmark

Ingemar Stenmark is the best slalom and giant slalom skier in history. For about a decade, he dominated the World Cup circuit in these events, winning the both World Cups 8 times, as well as three overall World Cups (1976-1978). Competing only in these disciplines, he amassed 86 World Cup victories, a record that is unlikely to be beaten. He won three world titles, grabbing both slalom events in 1978, and taking the slalom gold again in 1982 (with a silver in the giant slalom). He also won both events at the 1980 Olympics, after having gained a bronze in 1976. He might have added more gold medals at the 1984 Winter Olympics, but he was barred as a professional. When he returned in Calgary four years later, he was somewhat past his prime. A 1999 public survey named Stenmark the Swedish athlete of the century. Stenmark hails from the tiny town of Tärnaby (ca. 550 inhabitants), which has produced several other alpine skiers, notably Anja Pärson. Stenmark is currently active as a product developer for Elan, a Slovenian ski brand.