Hermann Maier biography

Hermann Maier was born on Dec. 7th, 1972 in Altenmarkt, Salzburg and since then, he lives in Flachau, about 70 km South of Salzburg. Because he does grow up in the perfect environment, the Salzburg Ski World- Salzburger Sportwelt, he does start participating in races at the age of 5. Herminators first curves on skis
He was supported and encouraged by his first trainer, his father Hermann Maier, who owns a ski school in Flachau. Hermann Maier sen. also was a ski racer; he still beats everybody in local competitions. That was the perfect preface for the young Hermann Maier, the perfect start for his grandiose career. Ski sports was in the Maier family an everyday occurace. Next to various ski school activities there were Children and Youth races on Weekends. And skiing just for pleasure was always time for. The days at school
A logical Step after 4th grade was the change to the "Ski Secondary Modern School" in Schladming, about 30 km east of Flachau. Being a pupil there and a member of the Salzburg Pupils Team, Hermann regularly participated in competitions, and soon he was known as a big talent. After 8 Grade Hermann visits the Ski Trade School in Schladming, where one of his fellow students is the later team colleague Christian Mayer. An early blown up dream?
But already in the first year there growing pains put a stop to the dreamt of career. Hermann develops the "Osgood-Schlattersche Syndrome, a development disturbance. At the age of 15 Hermann decides to go into masonry and he does start to like it after all the disappointments at school. The developmental disturbance gradually wears off and Hermann tries to go back to the ski slope. Bricklayer and Ski Instructor
He works at the family owned Ski School and goes through the education for a certified Ski Instructor. During the summer months the future "Skiing Emperor" works as a mason, during the wintertime he patiently teaches the art of skiing in the family business. That way he regains the joy of skiing and the certified Ski teacher fights in various races for good results. In the early 90s (93, 94, 95) he becomes several times Salzburg's Champion (in SuperG, Giant Slalom, Slalom) the Tyrolean Champion in Giant Slalom, the Carinthian Champion in Slalom. Fight Windmills?
For the Austrian Ski Team - ÖSV that appeared not enough and so far all the achievements didn't get rewarded. 1995 Hermann finally gets a chance to participate in the Austrian Championships. After he finishes 18.

(With number 141) he is able to start in FIS races. But after good results he still doesn't get to compete in the Euro-Cup. The Discovery
Finally, on January 6th 1996 the people responsible are getting a strong sign. There is a Giant Slalom in Hermann's home town and he gets to be a practice runner. An unofficial timing shows "Mr. Nobody" among the worlds best. He would have finished 12th. That was reason enough to let him compete in the Euro-Cup, where he wins an awful lot. First Start in an World Cup Race
Already four weeks after his "practice run" in Flachau he debuts on February 3rd at a Giant Slalom in Hinterstoder - and finishes 26th, his first points in the World Cup. Hermann finishes the season of 96 in the Euro-Cup. He wins the Giant Slalom Championship and has a sure starting place for the next season in the World Cup. The first back stroke
After a couple of very promising results the new Cadre racer cannot show regularly good results. But Hermann wanted to get nominated for the World Championships in Sestriere in the Downhill, and he tries at the all-deciding race in Chamonix, to convince his trainers to take him into account. Unfortunately the whole ends in a broken wrist, and Hermann misses his one and only chance to get nominated. The Herminators first Victory
But a recovered and rested Hermann Maier wins his first World Cup race in Garmisch, a SuperG. With that in his pocket and a couple of other good results he can look relaxed upon the next season. World Cup Season 1997/98:
The Star that was born in the previous season develops full bloom. At the beginning of the season Hermann shows with a couple of results within the first three his dangerousness. And he shows with an additional win in Park City in a Giant Slalom, that he is always one to look out for. After that he proceeds to a series of successes, and he obtains the name "Herminator". Hermann "Herminator" Maier
As THE favorite he goes to the Olympic games in Nagano where he starts in the Downhill and generates the picture which will go around the world. Luckily he isn't hurt and goes on to win 2 gold medals (SuperG and Giant Slalom) in the following days. He finishes the season with overall World Cup Champion. The following seasons are dominated by the Herminator. With huge competitive edges he declassifies the comrade-in-arms and revives the whole World Cup Circus with his amazing rides through the gates.

Heading for Gold in Vail- US
In his usual "Maier mania" he gains 2 gold medals at the World Championships in Vail in February 1999. He finishes the season with winning the SuperG World Cup. New World-Record in collecting World-Cup-Points
The season 1999/2000 Hermann completes with a new amazing record. He achieves exactly 2000 points in the overall World Cup. This is the second time he wins 4 Crystal Spheres. The Season of Records exciting Races
For the 4th time at the World Cup Finals - this time in Are. The Herminator wins the Season Opening 2000 in Sölden and is able to drive home the whole season, which is filled with obstacles. That means for the 3rd time the World Cup win in 3 disciplines, as well as the Overall World Cup Championship.