Josef Stiegler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pepi Stiegler
Full name	Josef Stiegler
Born	(1937-04-20) 20 April 1937 (age 88) Lienz, Austria
Medal record Men's alpine skiing Representing  Austria Olympic Games   & World Championships Gold 1964 Innsbruck Slalom Silver 1960 Squaw Valley Giant Slalom Bronze 1964 Innsbruck Giant Slalom

Josef "Pepi" Stiegler was a famous alpine ski racer from Austria. He was born on April 20, 1937, in Lienz. Pepi was one of the top skiers in the world during the late 1950s and early 1960s. He even won a gold medal at the Olympic Games! His two children, Resi and Seppi, also became great skiers for the U.S. Ski Team.

Pepi Stiegler's Olympic Medals

Pepi Stiegler achieved great success at the Winter Olympics.

At the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, he won a silver medal. This was in the exciting giant slalom event. He also placed fifth in the slalom race.

Four years later, at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Pepi won two more medals. He earned a bronze medal in the giant slalom. Then, he won the gold medal in the slalom! He raced past American skiers Billy Kidd and Jimmie Heuga to win. Because of his amazing wins, Pepi was named "Austrian Sportsman of the Year 1964."

Life After Ski Racing

After his racing career, Pepi Stiegler continued to be involved in skiing. He often appeared at ski events in the United States. He also wrote articles for different ski magazines.

In 1965, Pepi became the very first ski school director at Jackson Hole in Wyoming. He worked there for 29 years, teaching many people how to ski. After that, he spent eight years as an ambassador for skiing at the resort. He finally stepped down in 2002, after 37 years with Jackson Hole.

Later in his life, Pepi Stiegler was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993. This is a health condition that affects the body. His Austrian teammate, Egon Zimmermann, who won a gold medal in 1964, also has this condition.

Pepi Stiegler also showed that learning is important at any age. When he was 66 years old, he earned a bachelor's degree. He studied English literature at Montana State University in Bozeman in May 2003.

Olympic Results

From 1948 through 1980, the Winter Olympics were also considered the World Championships for alpine skiing.

Videos

• You Tube – Stiegler: The Style of A Champion (1974 film)