Marlies Schild Austrian skier Date of Birth: 31.05.1981 Country: Australia

1. Biography of Marlies Schild
2. Early Life and Career
3. Success in Slalom
4. Injuries and Comeback
5. Career Achievements
6. Olympic Success

Biography of Marlies Schild

Marlies Schild, an Austrian alpine ski racer, made a remarkable transition from downhill skiing to slalom. She achieved a series of impressive victories at championships of various levels, including World Cups, World Championships, and the Olympic Games.

Early Life and Career

Marlies Schild was born in Admont, Styria, Austria. At the beginning of her career, she specialized in downhill skiing. However, this discipline proved to be too dangerous, resulting in five knee surgeries by the time she was 19 years old. Eventually, Schild decided to switch to less injury-prone disciplines like slalom and giant slalom.

Success in Slalom

Schild had remarkable success in slalom, consistently placing in the top three of the World Cup every year since 2004, except for 2009. She won first place in slalom in 2007, 2008, and 2011. Her best overall ranking in the World Cup was second place in 2007, narrowly missing out on the title in the last two races.

In October 2008, while preparing for the giant slalom, Schild had a severe fall resulting in a shattered left fibula. This injury forced her to take a year-long break from racing. She returned to the slopes in November 2009 and won her first race after the comeback in slalom in Lienz on December 29, 2009. Schild went on to achieve a series of podium finishes in slalom races from 2010 to 2012, including winning the Olympic race in Vancouver and the 2011 World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Injuries and Comeback

Schild's winning streak ended on March 10, 2012, when she finished sixth in Åre. Due to a torn right knee ligament on December 20, 2012, she had to take another break from major competitions, missing the 2013 World Championships. However, she made a quick recovery and returned to compete in the slalom event of the World Championships just 58 days after the injury.

Career Achievements

Throughout her career, Schild won a total of 34 World Cup slalom races, which is currently the best record among registered female alpine skiers. This record is shared with Swiss skier Vreni Schneider. At the 2003 World Championships in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Schild won silver in slalom, finishing behind Janica Kostelic. In the 2005 Championships in Bormio, Italy, she won bronze in the combined event, with Kostelic and Anja Pärson ahead of her. In the 2007 Championships in Åre, Sweden, Schild won silver in slalom, bronze in the combined event, and gold in the team event. She also won silver in the team event at the 2011 World Championships.

Olympic Success

Schild made her Olympic debut in 2002 but did not finish the slalom race. At the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy, she won gold in the women's combined event and bronze in the women's slalom. She also competed in the giant slalom, finishing 17th. In the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, Schild won silver in the women's slalom.

Marlies Schild's career is a testament to her skill and determination in the challenging sport of alpine skiing. Despite numerous injuries, she consistently performed at a high level and left an indelible mark in the world of skiing.