The Ski World Championships in Saalbach reignite the age-old debate over skiing’s origins, attributed to Norwegians. The rivalry between Austria and Switzerland has shaped the sport, with Austria leading in medals and historical moments, including the 2001 championships. While Swiss skiers like Sonja Nef excelled in technique, Austria’s dominance has been punctuated by key victories and transformations in the sport, particularly through the leadership of figures like Peter Schröcksnadel in the late ’80s.
The Ski World Championships: A Glimpse into History
This week marks the beginning of the Ski World Championships in Saalbach, igniting an age-old debate: Who truly invented skiing? The answer traces back to the Norwegians, who first glided over snow on wooden skis. However, the spotlight of skiing’s fame on the Alpine slopes has long been a contentious issue between Austria and Switzerland, two nations with a rich skiing heritage.
The inaugural downhill races were conducted in Switzerland, organized by Englishman Arnold Lunn. Yet, it was undoubtedly a blow to Swiss pride when St. Anton was hailed as the birthplace of alpine skiing during the opening of the Ski World Championships in 2001. The event saw Austria triumph, securing eleven medals, including gold in the men’s downhill, with Hannes Trinkl as the champion, who humorously received an axe as a Christmas gift in his youth. While Austria celebrated its primal strength, Swiss skiers like Sonja Nef and Michael von Grünigen showcased superior technique in the giant slalom events, highlighting the fierce competition between the two nations.
The Rivalry Intensifies: Moments of Triumph and Defeat
The rivalry between Austria and Switzerland is unique, as both countries have elevated skiing to a national pastime, proudly declaring themselves ski nations. Each has its own anthem, with Switzerland’s Vico Torriani proclaiming in 1963, “Everyone skis, everyone skis. Skiing is the whole nation,” followed later by Wolfgang Ambros’s “Schifoan” in 1976.
Statistically, Austria holds the upper hand, boasting 39 gold medals and a total of 125 Olympic medals, while Switzerland trails with 26 golds and 75 overall. A notable low point for the Swiss occurred during the 1964 Winter Games in Innsbruck, where they returned home empty-handed after a failed campaign, leading to widespread ridicule. In response, the Swiss ski association took action, hiring Adolf Ogi as Technical Director, setting the stage for a significant transformation in Swiss skiing.
With the exclusion of Austrian star Karl Schranz from the 1972 Games due to amateur status violations, the path was clear for Swiss skiers like Bernhard Russi. The 1976 Winter Games would see an epic showdown between Klammer and Russi, marking a significant chapter in downhill racing history. While Klammer’s exuberant style captured the spotlight, Russi’s elegant skiing proved to be a formidable challenge.
The 1980s brought renewed success for Swiss skiers, with athletes like Pirmin Zurbriggen and Vreni Schneider dominating the scene. Zurbriggen’s sensational performance in Kitzbühel earned him the title of ski king, despite battling injuries. This era was characterized by Swiss excellence, culminating in the 1987 World Championships where they claimed eight out of ten possible titles.
However, Austria faced a crisis by the late ’80s, prompting the rise of Peter Schröcksnadel as president of the national association. His leadership triggered a resurgence in Austrian skiing, exemplified by the Super-G in 1998, where Austrian skiers swept the podium. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing rivalry, as the Austrians evolved their techniques, leaving the Swiss struggling to keep pace.