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With touching words, Elisabeth Görgl says goodbye to her mother.
A few days after Germany’s ski icon Rosi Mittermaier († 72) died, Austria also mourned the loss of a great skier.
Waltraud “Traudl” Hecher died last Tuesday at the age of 79. The Tyrolean was one of the most successful skiers in the 1960s. She celebrated more than 50 victories in international races, won 1960 and 1964 Olympic bronze in the downhill. And ended her career in 1967 at the age of only 24.
«Thank you for your traces»
Now her daughter, former ski ace Elisabeth “Lizz” Görgl (41), has said goodbye to her with an emotional Instagram post. “Mom, thank you for your tracks – not only in the snow!”, She writes to a photo that shows Hecher at a young age.
«You were an inspiration with your ‘glow’ and your joy. You gave many people unforgettable moments with your radiant heart and you always found the right words with your humorous and modest manner … and sometimes you didn’t have to say anything at all,” Görgl continued. «Your talent has carried you all over the world and your sense of beauty and refinement has always accompanied you.»
Successful all-rounder
Hecher passed the talent on to two of her three children. Görgl was a successful ski racer herself. She celebrated seven World Cup victories (three Super-Gs and two downhills and giant slaloms each), stood on the podium a total of 42 times – and that in all disciplines. Like her mother, the all-rounder also won Olympic bronze twice (2010 in downhill and giant slalom) and was world champion in 2011 in both downhill and super-G. Two years earlier she won World Championship bronze in the combination.
Her brother Stephan (44) was also active in the Ski World Cup. In terms of success, he cannot quite keep up with his sister. But he also has two World Cup victories (one each in Super-G and giant slalom) and three other podium finishes.
Now they mourn their mother together. “Mom, thank you for everything,” Görgl concludes her post. And add the hashtag “rest in peace”. (bir)
Attention ski fans! Now quiz and type races
The 2022/2023 ski season is in full swing and so is the “Blick Ski Trophy”: Answer questions every day, type ski races and crown yourself as ski champion. Lots of great prizes await.
To take part in the “Blick Ski Trophy”, you have to register here.
Have fun and good luck!
The 2022/2023 ski season is in full swing and so is the “Blick Ski Trophy”: Answer questions every day, type ski races and crown yourself as ski champion. Lots of great prizes await.
To take part in the “Blick Ski Trophy”, you have to register here.
Have fun and good luck!