Bernhard Russi

Bernhard Russi is a legendary figure in the world of alpine skiing, whose ascent to fame began with his World Cup debut in January 1968. Despite facing setbacks, including a significant injury from working as a stuntman in the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, he quickly showcased his resilience and skill. His breakthrough came with a victory at the 1970 World Championships in downhill, which was also his first World Cup win. Bernhard's skills continued as he clinched the Olympic gold medal in the downhill at the 1972 Sapporo Olympics and retained his World Cup season title in both 1971 and 1972. His ability to excel under pressure was further highlighted at the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics, where he narrowly missed gold, securing silver instead. As an Olympic, World Cup, and World champion in the downhill event, he has made an indelible mark in skiing history.

Bernhard has significantly impacted the design of downhill courses for major events, including the Winter Olympics and the FIS Alpine Skiing World Championships. 

Notable projects include the La Face de Bellevarde for the 1992 Winter Olympics and the Rosa Khutor course for the 2014 Winter Olympics. His role as chairman of the FIS Alpine Committee and his work as a FIS technical advisor underscore his ongoing commitment to the sport.

Bernhard's post-racing career also includes commentary for Swiss television and brand ambassadorships, including for Subaru and several Swiss companies. His legacy in skiing is not only defined by his victories but also by his enduring contributions to the sport's development and his role as a respected commentator and course designer.