The hero of an entire generation

3 February 1956 not only made Toni Sailer immortal, but also lifted an entire nation out of depression. At the Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Austrian Sailer had already won the giant slalom and slalom by a large margin. On 3 February, he also won the downhill, taking Olympic gold in all three alpine competitions. ‘Sembra volare’ - he seems to be flying, said the commentator on Italian television when he saw the Austrian. Nine years after the end of the Second World War, he has brought joy and self-confidence back to his home country. Sailer's successes boosted winter tourism in Austria and gave people courage during the hard times of reconstruction. Sports historian Rudolf Müllner described Sailer as a central figure of this generation. ‘The deep conviction that my social advancement is possible through my own endeavours. That had a massive impact on this generation.’

After Cortina, Sailer also won gold in the downhill, giant slalom and combined and silver in the slalom at the 1958 World Championships in Bad Gastein. One year later, at the age of just 23 and after five years on the big ski stage, Sailer ended his career and worked as an actor and singer. For 22 years, the Kitzbühel native was also race director of the legendary Hahnenkamm races in his home town.