Ski legend Markus Wasmeier is celebrating his 60th birthday. The Upper Bavarian from Schliersee celebrated his greatest success at the 1994 Olympics – and ended his career shortly afterwards. He celebrates his anniversary in typical fashion: “Nothing big, but enjoy it.”
When Markus Wasmeier received the call from Bavarian Radio, he was on the roof of his open-air museum in Schliersee. The hail caused serious damage a few days ago and Wasmeier is of course tackling it himself – and looks as if he was not yet prepared to accept congratulations on his 60th birthday. “The day has now come relatively quickly that I can celebrate my sixtieth birthday,” said the two-time Olympic champion as he climbed down from the roof.
However, this number doesn’t bother him. No wonder for someone who used to race down the steepest slopes in the world, sometimes without a helmet, always fighting for the best time. He doesn’t have any big plans: “I’ll let myself be surprised a bit. Something is prepared. I’m happy that close friends are coming and I can spend a day with the family,” says Wasmeier and adds: “Nothing big – but enjoy it! “
The greatest success came at the very end
Another big anniversary is coming soon for Wasmeier. Namely that of his greatest sporting success: the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer. The then 30-year-old crowned his sporting career in Norway. First he won gold in the Super G, and a little later in the giant slalom. Both times with only a few hundredths of a second lead. “It is even more incomprehensible than my victory in the Super-G,” said Wasmeier.
In preparation for the 1992/93 season he had a serious accident. At that time, Wasmeier collided with a serviceman and suffered a broken ankle, a sprained hip and a concussion. Nevertheless, just a few weeks later he started again in World Cup races and achieved impressive results. But he no longer really came close to being at the top of the world.
The Olympic gold medals not only surprised Wasmeier himself, they were a sensation in the ski circuit. Just two months later, he said goodbye to the big stage in the sport he loves. “If you think logically, you have to stop. If you think with your heart, you have to keep going,” he said at the time.
Wasmeier “wasteful blessed with optimism”
Just as surprisingly as Wasmeier’s career ended, it began. Without ever having won a World Cup, the young Markus Wasmeier raced to the front and into the hearts of ski fans at the World Championships in Bormio with flowing blonde hair. With his unmistakable way of mastering the ups and downs of his career, he made his mark there – to this day.
“Always look forward. Never give up. Always think positively. And learn from lows,” Wasmeier used this motto to go through the World Cup seasons, being able to deal with sporting setbacks and injuries, but also staying grounded in moments of greatest triumphs. The Upper Bavarian said of himself that he was “lavishly blessed with optimism.” This carried him to nine World Cup victories and winning the Super-G World Cup in 1986.
Wasmeier – someone who gets involved
Wasmeier is still connected to his home Schliersee today and draws strength and inspiration from his roots. This is also shown by his museum in his birthplace and place of residence, for which he had three historic farmhouses that were in danger of decay demolished and rebuilt in the Fischhausen-Neuhaus district.
The museum provides an overview of the history of skiing and cross-country skiing. He also regularly volunteers, helps people in need – most recently he supported war refugees from Ukraine – and is an advocate for environmental protection and the fight against climate change, which not only threatens his beloved skiing but also the nature of his homeland . Wasmeier is just getting started. Not just when hail damages your roof.
In the video: Wasmeier wins Olympic gold in Super-G
Broadcasts for Markus Wasmeier’s 60th birthday on BR
To mark the milestone birthday, BR will be showing a conversation with sports presenter Marianne Kreuzer from the series on television on Saturday, September 9th at 5:15 p.m “Cruiser meets…” and on Monday, September 11th, 10 p.m., the portrait “Markus Wasmeier – After the race” from the series Lifelines and. BR Heimat broadcasts a current episode of the conversation format on the radio “Have the honor!“, Bayern 2 repeats an edition “One on One. The Talk” with the crowd favorite.
Source: BR24Sport on the radio September 9th, 2023 – 10:54 a.m
