Michael von Gruenigen (SUI)

DOB:  04/11/1969  Hometown:  Schönried

Last winter, Michael von Gruenigen clinched his third giant slalom World Cup win in the final race in Sierra Nevada. He has now won races in all the European World Cup countries as well as America and Japan. Von Gruenigen is respected for his precise ski technique, and also for his modesty and friendly attitude. His talent, his confidence and his search for perfection have led to many achievements.

The Swiss ace has competed on the World Cup circuit since '90, winning his first race in '93, at Veysonnaz, ahead of Alberto Tomba. At the start of the '94 season, he was looking ready for a great winter when he dislocated a shoulder in December during a slalom at Lech, Austria. Von Gruenigen was finally healthy the next season and blew away the competition.

He won five World Cup races in '96, with three other top-3 finishes that year. Add to that two bronze medals at the FIS World Championships in Sierra Nevada and the GS World Cup. The following winter, he won five events including the gold medal at the Sestriere Worlds and the pre-Olympics at Shiga Kogen. Only the great season of Austrian Hermann Maier kept him from winning the giant slalom World Cup in 1998.

Ski racing has helped von Gruenigen feel the joy that life can offer and overcome childhood heartache. Michael was just nine years old when both his parents died; he was raised by his older sisters Ruth and Dora. Another sister Christine, also a ski racer, helped him get started on the road to stardom. At 30, he says he feels strong enough for at least one more great season. Not only is he one of the greatest giant slalom racers in recent history, with 16 World Cup wins, but he also enjoys family live with his lovely wife, Anna.

— Patrick Lang, MountainZone.com World Cup Correspondent