An American alpine skier who won 18 World Cup races and was a four-time Olympian, known for her technical skills and dominance in the slalom event.
Tamara McKinney, born on October 16, 1962, is a legendary American alpine ski racer, renowned for being the first American woman to claim the overall World Cup title in a quarter century, a feat she achieved in 1983.
Throughout her illustrious career, McKinney secured four World Cup season titles, including the 1983 overall title, as well as three discipline-specific titles in giant slalom (1981, 1983) and slalom (1984). She also clinched a gold medal in the combined event at the 1989 World Championships in Vail.
McKinney grew up in Squaw Valley, California, as the youngest of seven children. Her half-brother, Steve McKinney, was a world-record holding speed skier, setting seven world records and breaking his own record twice. Tamara's diminutive stature (5 ft 4 in, 115 lb) belied her fierce competitive spirit and exceptional skiing skills.
McKinney made her World Cup debut in December 1978 at the age of 16, finishing on the podium in a slalom event in Italy. Her first World Cup victory came in January 1981, at the age of 18, in a giant slalom race. This breakthrough season saw her secure four wins in giant slalom.
McKinney represented the United States in three Olympics (1980, 1984, 1988) and five World Championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1989). She won four medals at the World Championships, including bronze medals in the combined event (1985, 1987) and slalom (1989), in addition to her gold medal in the combined event in 1989.
In 1987, McKinney participated in Prince Edward Windsor's charity television special, The Grand Knockout Tournament. Tragically, in 1989, she suffered a broken left leg for the third time while training in Saas Fee, Switzerland. This injury led to her eventual retirement in November 1990, at the age of 28.
Tamara McKinney's remarkable career was marked by 18 World Cup victories, 45 podiums, and 99 top ten finishes. Her trailblazing achievements paved the way for future generations of American alpine ski racers, cementing her status as one of the greatest athletes in the sport.
63 Years Old
An American alpine skier who won 18 World Cup races and was a four-time Olympian, known for her technical skills and dominance in the slalom event.
63 Years Old
A Swiss alpine skier who won two Olympic gold medals and four World Cup overall titles, dominating the sport in the 1980s.
70 Years Old
A Swedish skiing legend who dominated the sport in the 1970s and 1980s, winning a record 86 World Cup races and three Olympic gold medals.
41 Years Old
American skier who dominated the slopes, winning four World Cup overall championships and three Olympic medals, including a gold in downhill. Known for her fearless racing style and record-breaking speed.
49 Years Old
Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion in alpine skiing, known for his aggressive and unpredictable racing style.
42 Years Old
An Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion, known for dominating the women's alpine skiing scene with her fearless and aggressive racing style.
