Erika "Riki" Mahringer is dead

Erika "Riki" Mahringer is dead

LINZ / Mayerhofen. Olympic medalist Erika Spieß-Mahringer, from Linz, died at the age of 93 in Zillertal, Tyrol.

Erika Mahringer, who won two bronze medals in slalom and in combination at the St. Moritz Olympic Games in 1948, died Tuesday in Mayrhofen.

Born in Linz, the mother of Nicola Werdenigg, also a successful ski racer under the name of Nicola Spieß and her brother Uli Spieß, founded the first ski kindergarten after her career with her husband Ernst Spieß in Zillertal. Incidentally, she learned to ski on a small hill in Linz, then to Koglerau, Pöstlingberg and Hellmonsödt. "

In 1954, her brilliant career on two boards won her the "Ski d'Or", predecessor of the World Cup: "It was not easy at that time," she said. declared four years ago in an interview with OÖN on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Addressed the consequences of the Second World War.

Two Olympic bronze medals

Nevertheless, "Riki" managed to qualify for the 1948 Olympics in St. Moritz. Even a fall could stop it, even though it only finished 19th in the descent. But in the slalom, the student sportsman demonstrated an unwavering commitment and won the bronze medal in the combined. He should follow in these winter games a third place in the special slalom.

Aged 29 and winning four World Championship medals, Spieß-Mahringer ended her career to found a ski school with her husband Ernst (he was one of the men leaders of the Association Austrian ski for years) in Mayrhofen. Together, they also launched the first ski kindergarten in the world. The family had used up to 170 ski instructors at peak times.

Last time, Mahringer-Spieß was 82 years old on skis. After the death of her husband seven years ago, she lived with her family in Zillertal. The amputation of a leg following an earlier injury has reduced its mobility.