Ingemar Stenmark: A Champion in Skiing and Now, Pole Vaulting

Ingemar Stenmark, Åre Sweden 2019 and Calgary Olympics 1988: Photos GEPA pictures

At the age of 68, legendary Alpine skier Ingemar Stenmark has found a new way to impress the world—this time, in pole vaulting. The Swedish icon, who dominated Alpine skiing with his precision and skill, recently wowed fans again by clearing three meters at the World Masters Athletics Championship in Gothenburg. The audience cheered wildly as Stenmark, always humble, soared over the bar with the same grace he once brought to the slopes.

Transition from Slalom to Pole Vault

Stenmark, known for winning two Winter Olympic golds and five World Championship titles, isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Although he retired from competitive skiing in 1989, his passion for pushing his limits hasn’t faded. Stenmark posted a video on Instagram last week, showing him clearing a home-made pole vault at the gym. With a caption reading, “The gym was busy,” the clip showed that even off the mountain, his athletic prowess remains.

His decision to compete in the pole vault wasn’t just a fun hobby—it was part of the World Masters Championship, where he finished a respectable eighth in the men’s 65-69 age group Final A. This achievement demonstrates not only his enduring athleticism but also his relentless drive to excel.

Still Breaking Records

Though Mikaela Shiffrin broke his longstanding record of 86 World Cup wins in 2023, Stenmark’s legacy remains untouchable. His record for the biggest win margin in an Alpine World Cup race—an astounding 4.06 seconds in 1979—still stands. Paying tribute to Shiffrin’s incredible feat, Stenmark graciously remarked, “She’s much better than I was. You cannot compare. She has everything … she can ski well both in slalom and in super-G and downhill also. I could never have been so good in all disciplines.”

Continuing to Inspire

Stenmark’s foray into pole vaulting proves that greatness knows no age limit. His involvement in the sport shows that even after decades of achievements, he remains as competitive and passionate as ever. For fans of skiing and athletics alike, Ingemar Stenmark continues to be a source of inspiration, proving that the heart of a champion never stops beating.

Information source: The Guardian