Famous Austrians II: Franz Klammer

Franz Klamemer at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck

Austria is known for its skiing - and its skiers. One of the most famous is Franz Klammer (or, as one of my students called him, "Hans" Klammer...even if they are Austrian, it doesn't mean they worship the skiing world) ;)

Klammer grew up in Mooswald, Carinthia, which is uncommon for an Austrian skier (most grow up in Salzburg or Tyrol where the "real" mountains are) and won gold in 1976 in Innsbruck, skiing down hill 1/3 of a second faster than some other guy. He participated in the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo as well, where he did not do so hot. He later had a career as a touring car racer. In certain ways, he shares a likeness to American Olympic skier Bode Miller. Aside from the skiing and car racing, however, this is not exactly complimentary...

Some consider him the reason Austrian skiing is known worldwide. He is currently a TV sports commentator, not an uncommon career path for many a sports legend.