Reactions to the death of Rosi Mittermaier: “A heart as big as a bus”

Status: 05.01.2023 6:05 p.m

Rosi Mittermaier twice won gold at the 1976 Winter Olympics, from then on everyone just called her “Gold-Rosi”. Now she has died – and Germany is mourning.

Thomas Bach (President of the International Olympic Committee): “Rosi Mittermaier was an extremely likeable and credible ambassador of sport, who always approached people openly and modestly. She inspired us all with her warmth and laughter. That’s why she’s always called ‘Gold -Rosi” remain in our memories. My thoughts are with her family, who were everything to her and for whom my deepest condolences go.”

With her two gold medals at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, “Gold-Rosi” Mittermaier enchanted the whole of winter sports in Germany. Rosi Mittermaier died in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the age of 72.

Thomas Weikert (President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation): “With Rosi Mittermaier-Neureuther, one of the greatest German winter sports athletes is leaving us, but above all she was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and our sympathy are with her family. We gratefully remember her sporting successes and her many years of commitment as a personal member of the DOSB and her clever and always very grounded contributions to the discussion on sport and more. We will all miss Rosi Mittermaier.”

“A Soul of Man”

Franz Steinle (President of the German Ski Association): “With Rosi Mittermaier, the ski family loses an extraordinary personality, who rightly enjoyed great popularity beyond the sport. Rosi Mittermaier was friendly and modest, always helpful, available for every good cause – regardless of the function in which she could support. You was a soul of man.”

Markus Söder (Prime Minister of Bavaria): “It is with deep dismay that we receive the news of Rosi Mittermaier’s death. Throughout Bavaria we mourn our Gold-Rosi, an ambassador for our country in the world. She was not only a successful athlete, but a role model for all of us. Her commitment We will all miss her fellow human beings, her big heart and her unforgettable devotion Personally, I remember many beautiful encounters that were always characterized by warmth and commitment to others.

She was a prime example of how to remain down-to-earth and approachable despite breathtaking success. She stood in an exemplary way for love of homeland, sportsmanship, tolerance and fair play. Our thoughts are with her family. Bavaria will always honor her memory.”

Herbert Hainer (President of FC Bayern Munich): “Rosi Mittermaier was one of the greatest German athletes and a unique Bavarian figurehead. She moved and inspired people, I was able to witness it myself in 1976 at her second Olympic gold medal in the Innsbruck slalom on the ski slope. FC Bayern is mourning the side of her family, loved ones and friends.”

“Could you only love”

Thomas Berlemann (Chairman of the German Sports Aid Foundation): “With Rosi Mittermaier, German sport loses one of the most outstanding sports personalities of the past century. Sport needs role models, such as Rosi Mittermaier was and will continue to be for future generations.”

Markus Wasmeier (former skier): “We lost a fantastic person – Rosi had a heart the size of a bus, she was always there for everyone – that was unique. You won’t find a person like that again, she leaves a huge gap.”

Sven Hannawald (former ski jumper): “Messages like today make me extremely sad. Our last meeting describes you as you were from a young age, but also after all your great successes. A sunshine and role model for everyone. Rest in peace, dear Rosi.”

Maria Höfl-Riesch (former ski racer): “It’s a huge shock. Of course, 72 is much too early and I’m incredibly sad. I’ve known Rosi my whole life. For me, she was always Felix’s mom. I went to kindergarten with Felix, to elementary school. Thank you you for everything. Rosi made sure that women’s sport is perceived differently. She has always remained normal, so modest. You could only love her.”

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