Alpine Skiing

Hans Lie celebrates his 80th birthday
Hans Lie celebrates his 80th!
In 2007, Hans won Norway National Veterans Championships
Hans won Norway National Veterans Championships in 2007
I congratulate Mr. Hans Lie for his 80th birthday from Norway. He is a famous Ski legendary and greatest deaf ahtlete! He won 11 Medals (8 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze). I took up the opportunity to contact with him and wanted to ask him some questions and he was kind enough to answer my questions. I thank him very much and wish him good life!

Mike Schmauser: You have competed in ten editions of the Winter Deaflympics. Until now, no Alpine skier has achieved 10 times. Why have you participated so often? For fun or motivation ...?

Hans Lie: Alpine is the life for me, and I still run with it. I am in Norway Championship for veterans.

MS: You have 8 gold medals. What was it for you the best success of your life?

HL: The best I think the first gold medal in the downhill in Montana in Switzerland in 1959.

MS: Which city do you have the best memory at Winter Deaflympics?

HL: Alpin by Grand Montana in Switzerland in 1959 was the city with the best memory for me.

MS: Why?

HL: Great ski location and very demanding trail, as resident. 
And the Norwegian dominance, we took 3 gold, I won the downhill, LARSEN Kjell Otto won the slalom and DAMMEN Brynjulf won the giant slalom.

MS: Why is there not a Norwegian Alpine skier since then more than participating in the Winter Deaflympics? You're sports idol for all of Norway. It would be nice if there would be a new skier.

HL: It has not been new deaf skiers now. Time has changed. After school they go to higher schools and have little time or interest in the sport. I've tried to get young people to be active, but it is not easy. We have had the world's strongest ski team for 10 years, from 1970 to 1980. There are never more so, unfortunately?

Mike SCHMAUSER
ICSD Technical Director - Alpine Skiing