Disabled skiing at the 1988 Winter Olympics facts for kids
Disabled skiing was a special event at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. These events were called demonstration sports. This means they were shown to the public to see if they should become official Olympic sports later on.
Unlike the 1988 Winter Paralympics, where athletes with disabilities compete in their own games, these skiing events were held right alongside the main Olympic competitions. It was a chance to highlight the amazing skills of these athletes!
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Top Countries in Disabled Skiing
Even though these were demonstration events, countries still showed off their best athletes! The United States did very well, earning the most top spots. Austria and Norway also had strong performances.
Men's Skiing Events
Giant Slalom for Skiers with Amputations
On February 21, 1988, skiers who had an amputation above the knee competed in a Modified Giant Slalom. This race involves skiing down a hill through a course marked by gates. Athletes need to be fast and precise!
Here are the top skiers in this event:
| Place | Athlete | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Alexander Spitz (FRG) |
West Germany | 1 minute, 21.10 seconds |
| 2 |  Greg Mannino (USA) |
United States | 1 minute, 22.87 seconds |
| 3 |  Fritz Berger (SUI) |
Switzerland | 1 minute, 25.60 seconds |
Cross-Country Skiing for Visually Impaired Skiers
On February 17, 1988, visually impaired skiers competed in a 5-kilometer cross-country race. In cross-country skiing, athletes use skis to glide across flat or gently rolling terrain. Skiers who are visually impaired often have a guide who skis with them, helping them navigate the course.
Here are the top skiers in this event:
| Place | Athlete | Country | Time | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Hans Anton Aalien (NOR) |
Norway | 18 minutes, 51.2 seconds | A. Homb |
| 2 |  Ake Petterson (SWE) |
Sweden | 19 minutes, 29.7 seconds | R. Stridh |
| 3 | Asmund Tveit (NOR) |
Norway | 19 minutes, 48.6 seconds | K. Ulvang |
Women's Skiing Events
Giant Slalom for Skiers with Amputations
Women also competed in the Modified Giant Slalom on February 21, 1988. These athletes showed incredible balance and speed as they raced down the mountain.
Here are the top skiers in this event:
| Place | Athlete | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diana Golden (USA) |
United States | 1 minute, 26.41 seconds |
| 2 | Cathy Gentile (USA) |
United States | 1 minute, 32.86 seconds |
| 3 | Martha Hill (USA) |
United States | 1 minute, 34.87 seconds |
Cross-Country Skiing for Visually Impaired Skiers
The women's 5-kilometer cross-country race for visually impaired skiers also took place on February 17, 1988. These athletes, with the help of their guides, showed great endurance and teamwork.
Here are the top skiers in this event:
| Place | Athlete | Country | Time | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Veronika Preining (AUT) |
Austria | 22 minutes, 56.3 seconds | S. Haberl |
| 2 |  Kirsti Pennanen (FIN) |
Finland | 23 minutes, 00.1 seconds | Viljaharju |
| 3 | Margret Heger (AUT) |
Austria | 26 minutes, 59.3 seconds | M. Pucher |
