Featured Image: Britt Janyk | GEPA Pictures
In the fourth episode of the Skiing is Believing podcast’s top ten series, Matt Garcka and Alan Rigg welcomed Canadian World Cup downhill winner and ski racing commentator Britt Janyk to the show.
Moser-Proll’s dominance
In the conversation, Matt, Alan, and Britt discussed the dominant force of the 1970s with seven consecutive World Cup downhill titles and three World Championship golds, Annemarie Moser-Proll. They also chatted about the changes in the dynamic of the length of women’s careers, with the likes of Federica Brignone and Lara Gut-Behrami currently racing well into their thirties.
Current legends
There were two current stars that made Matt’s, Alan’s, and Britt’s lists. They are the fearless 2018 Olympic champion, Sofia Goggia, with the hosts giving their thoughts on a home Olympic crown in Cortina in February, and the legendary Lindsey Vonn, who produced an incredible comeback to hit 6th position in the St. Anton downhill in January. In the year she turns 41, Vonn too is looking to provide another incredible season, and Janyk shares her thoughts on the unforgettable achievements of the greatest downhiller ever.
The 80s & the rivalries
The incredible rivalry of the 1980s between Michela Figini and Maria Walliser was also a topic of conversation as the Swiss, pink-helmeted “glamour girl” took on the teen sensation. Both of these legends made the final top ten list.
The future
They also chatted about the present and future of the discipline, with rising stars like Lauren Macuga and Emma Aicher already staking a claim to success in downhill competition, including in last season’s World Championships in Saalbach: Macuga won a bronze medal (3rd), and Aicher came in 6th.
Ski Racing Media brings you this episode of the Skiing is Believing podcast. Next week, join Matt and Alan for another episode from the the summer series. Follow the podcast throughout the off-season on Instagram and YouTube at @skiingisbelievingpodcast. Feel free to reach out to Matt and Alan with feedback, advice, or any questions at any time using mattgarcka.skiingisbelieving@gmail.com. Let Matt and Alan know what episode you’d like to hear next in the summer series.
About the Author: Matt Garcka
