Disabled skiing at the 1988 Winter Olympics facts for kids
Disabled skiing was a special event at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. It was a "demonstration sport," which means it was shown to people but didn't give out official Olympic medals. This was different from the 1988 Winter Paralympics, where athletes with disabilities compete for medals. The goal was to show the amazing skills of these skiers to a wider audience.
Contents
Top Countries in Disabled Skiing
Even though no official Olympic medals were given, countries still showed how well their athletes performed. The United States had the most success in these demonstration events. Austria and Norway also did very well.
| Pos. | Country | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  United States (USA) |
1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 2 |  Austria (AUT) |
1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 |  Norway (NOR) |
1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 4 |  West Germany (FRG) |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 |  Finland (FIN) |
0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 |  Sweden (SWE) |
0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 |  Switzerland (SUI) |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Men's Skiing Events
Giant Slalom for Skiers with Leg Amputations
On February 21, 1988, men competed in a special giant slalom race. This event was for skiers who had an amputation above their knee. They showed incredible speed and control on the slopes.
- First Place: Alexander Spitz from West Germany (1'21"10)
- Second Place: Greg Mannino from the USA (1'22"87)
- Third Place: Fritz Berger from Switzerland (1'25"60)
Cross-Country Skiing for Visually Impaired Skiers
On February 17, 1988, men also competed in a 5 km cross-country skiing race. This event was for skiers who were visually impaired. They skied with a guide who helped them navigate the course.
- First Place: Hans Anton Aalien from Norway (18'51"2), guided by A. Homb
- Second Place: Ake Petterson from Sweden (19'29"7), guided by R. Stridh
- Third Place: Asmund Tveit from Norway (19'48"6), guided by K. Ulvang
Women's Skiing Events
Giant Slalom for Skiers with Leg Amputations
Women also took part in the modified giant slalom on February 21, 1988. This race was for skiers with an above-the-knee amputation. They showed amazing skill and determination.
- First Place: Diana Golden from the USA (1'26"41)
- Second Place: Cathy Gentile from the USA (1'32"86)
- Third Place: Martha Hill from the USA (1'34"87)
Cross-Country Skiing for Visually Impaired Skiers
On February 17, 1988, women competed in their 5 km cross-country race. Visually impaired skiers raced with their guides. They showed great teamwork and endurance.
- First Place: Veronika Preining from Austria (22'56"3), guided by S. Haberl
- Second Place: Kirsti Pennanen from Finland (23'00"1), guided by Viljaharju
- Third Place: Margret Heger from Austria (26'59"3), guided by M. Pucher
