Jean-Claude Killy is an icon of alpine skiing whose legendary career has left its mark on the history of the sport. Born on August 30, 1943 in Saint-Cloud, France, Killy revealed his exceptional talent for the sport at an early age, dominating the alpine skiing scene in the 1960s.
Highlights of Jean-Claude Killy ‘s career:
- Triple Olympic champion: Killy is best known for his exploits at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, where he won three gold medals in the Alpine skiing disciplines of downhill, giant slalom and slalom. This unparalleled performance earned him the title of “Killy the Unforgettable.”
- World champion: In addition to his Olympic success, Killy won numerous titles at the Alpine World Ski Championships, consolidating his status as the world’s best skier.
- World Cup: A pioneer of the Alpine Skiing World Cup launched in 1966, Killy dominated the overall standings for two consecutive seasons, in 1967 and 1968.
- Early retirement: After the 1968 Games, Killy retired at just 24, a surprising decision at the peak of his career.
Jean-Claude Killy remains a source of inspiration for skiers and sports enthusiasts across the globe. His exceptional domination of alpine skiing and his charisma have made him an icon of winter sport.
Number of Critérium de la Première Neige wins: 6
