WC-history
ALPINE WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS 1982 – “Back then in the year 1982“
Already in 1982, Schladming – together with Haus/Ennstal – shimmered and sparkled as venue for the World Ski Championships.
The realisation of the Alpine World Ski Championships from the 27th of January to the 8th of February 1982 was in the hands of a special organisational committee. The core of this team was made up by members of the Wintersportverein Schladming (Winter Sports Club Schladming) and of the Sportunion Haus/Ennstal (Sports Union Haus/Ennstal) that had already laid the groundwork to the event for many years. Two and a half years were used to meet all the sportive requirements. In this time frame, the skiing premises were upgraded adding value to the whole region for upcoming years. Due to the construction of a snow machine, a “weather insurance“ for future races had been taken out.
Former Federal President Rudolf Kirchschläger (1915-2000) opened the Alpine World Ski Championships and inaugurated the House on the 27th of January 1982.
Continuous rain had seemed to be drowning both the venues as well as the courage of the organisers. Against all odds, perfect sunny winter weather arrived and made up for all the trouble, as it remained sunny until the closing day, the 8th of February 1982.
Masses of fans came to Schladming to experience the Championships events live. Organisers and athletes were surprised by the huge interest for and run to the evens. Ten thousands of enthusiastic fans witnessed the men’s downhill. The skiing world had not experienced Championships of this size before.
The organisers braved the weather escapades and did an outstanding job. Thousands of thrilled fans contributed to cordial, fun Championships that went down to history.
Ladies’ combined:
Ladies’ downhill:
Ladies’ giant slalom
Ladies’ slalom:
| Men’s combined:
Men’s downhill:
Men’s giant slalom:
Men’s slalom:
|
Medal table
| Switzerland | 3 x gold | 2 x silver | |
| USA | 1 x gold | 3 x silver | 1 x bronze |
| Sweden | 1 x gold | 1 x silver | 1 x bronze |
| France | 1 x gold | 1 x silver | |
| Canada | 1 x gold | 1 x silver | |
| Austria | 1 x gold | 2 x bronze | |
| Yugoslavia | 1 x silver | 1 x bronze | |
| Italy | 1 x bronze | ||
| Liechtenstein | 1 x bronze |
A talk with a world champion – victory all along the line
It does not have to be emphasised that Hart Weirather, born in 1958 in Reutte, Tyrol, became a true legend on the downhill slopes of the world. He won six World Cup downhill races, among them the classics in Kitzbühel, Wengen, Gröden and St. Anton. In the season 1980/81, he received the World Cup downhill crystal globe. The likable Tyrolian achieved his biggest sportive triumph in the Styrian skiing paradise Schladming. He won the World Ski Championship downhill in 1982 – in his career, this was his personal magic moment, and he saved Austria from a disgrace on the very last day of the World Ski Championships by gaining the only gold medal for the Austrian Ski Federation at these Championships and unforgettable memories for himself.
Mr Weirather, what comes to your mind when you think back to your triumph in Schladming?
Harti Weirather: I think anyone can imagine what pressure we athletes were under. Austria had not won any gold medals yet and the whole nation was expecting a victory in downhill.
The athletes had to carry a big load on their shoulders, right?
Harti Weirather: Certainly! I will never forget the giant enthusiasm that had taken over in Schladming. We were accompanied to the start by masses of people. And while racing through the avalanche forest towards the final passage, the racers could experience the passion of the audience. It was a boiling pot; you could feel it. It was truly unique.
This boiling pot has gained fame due to the renowned yearly night slalom.
Harti Weirather: This is certainly true. But looking back, one has to admit that Schladming has always been top. Back then, when Franz Klammer won the downhill here. I remember watching it on TV.
In 2013, yet again, World Ski Championships are taking place in Schladming. What are you expecting of this spectacle?
Harti Weirather: This is going to be a huge spectacle. I am sure that these Championships will be something Alpine skiing has never experienced before. These Championships will even excel those from St. Anton.
Why?
Harti Weirather: First of all, people in Styria are passionate about skiing. Second, all factors match: a central geographical position in Austria and Europe, good infrastructure, the whole concept – it just fits!
