Thomas Stangassinger (AUT)

DOB:  09/15/1965  Hometown:  Bad Dürnberg

Thomas Stangassinger had one of his best seasons ever in '98-'99. At 34, he's like fine wine, getting better and better with age. Two victories and three other top-three finishes led the '94 Olympic Champion to win his first slalom World Cup title in '99. This was impressive, after what Stangassinger called a disappointing sixth place finishes in the Nagano Olympics and Vail Worlds.

Stangassinger has a flawless skiing technique and 15 years of experience on the World Cup tour. But it's his coolness under pressure that wins him races. He has won medals in three major events — bronze in '91 and silver in '93 at Ski World Championships and gold in the '94 Lillehammer Olympics.

Born south of Salzburg, Stangassinger started competing on the World Cup tour in '85. He won his first race in December '89 in Canada, but injuries slowed his rise to stardom until his World Championship bronze medal in '91. Stangassinger was injured again in '94 when he fell during training. He also struggled with his equipment before changing to Salomon skis three years ago. It was a good move; suddenly he was back on top. His consistency helped him to win three races during the '97-'98 season and to fight against his teammate Tomas Sykora until the last race for the World Cup Slalom title. But he lost it again at the finals in Crans-Montana.

Away from the World Cup "White Circus," Stangassinger loves nothing more than to be with his family. Married for the past six years, he has a five-year-old daughter, Maria, who he skis with during his holidays.

— Patrick Lang, MountainZone.com World Cup Correspondent