François Bonlieu was a French alpine skier whose performances in the 1960s made a significant mark on the history of skiing. Born on November 26, 1937, in Annecy, France, Bonlieu excelled in both downhill and giant slalom.
Highlights of François Bonlieu‘s career:
- Olympics: Bonlieu won the gold medal in giant slalom at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, USA. This victory remains one of the highlights of those Games.
- World Championships: He also secured several gold medals at the Alpine Skiing World Championships, further cementing his international reputation.
- World Cup: As a pioneer of the Alpine Skiing World Cup, which was introduced in 1966, Bonlieu played a crucial role in popularizing this new competition format, even though he did not win the overall title.
François Bonlieu is widely respected for his contributions to alpine skiing and remains a memorable figure from that era. His 1960 Olympic gold medal and his successes at the World Championships continue to be an integral part of French alpine skiing history.
Number of wins at the Critérium de la Première Neige: 7
