Anton "Toni" Sailer, a renowned Alpine skier, was born on November 17, 1935, in Kitzbühel, Austria, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Alpine skiers in the history of the sport.
At the 1956 Olympic Winter Games, Sailer made history by winning all three Alpine events, including downhill, giant slalom, and slalom, a feat that had never been achieved by any athlete prior to his victory. This remarkable achievement cemented his status as a skiing legend and solidified his position as a national hero in Austria.
After retiring from competitive skiing in 1959, Sailer transitioned to the entertainment industry, appearing in several films, including the 1964 movie "Das Blaue vom Himmel," in which he co-starred alongside the renowned actress Zarah Leander.
Despite his impressive show business career, Sailer chose to give back to his community and country by coaching the Austrian ski team from 1972 to 1976. His dedication and expertise helped shape the next generation of Austrian skiers and left a lasting impact on the sport.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to the world of skiing, the International Olympic Committee awarded Sailer the Olympic Order in 1985, a testament to his enduring legacy as a skiing icon and a true champion of the sport.
