- published: 18 Jan 2008
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Hermann Maier (born December 7, 1972) is a former World Cup champion alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist from Austria. Born in Altenmarkt im Pongau in Salzburg, Maier ranks among the finest alpine ski racers in history, with four overall World Cup titles (1998, 2000, 2001, 2004), two Olympic gold medals (both in 1998), and three World Championship titles (1999: 2, and 2005). His 54 World Cup race victories (24 Super-G, 15 Downhills, 14 Giant Slaloms, 1 Combined) rank second on the men's all-time list behind Ingemar Stenmark's 86 victories. He is nicknamed the "Herminator".
Hermann Maier did not initially enjoy much success in ski racing. As a 15-year old at the Schladming ski academy, he was sent home after being told he wouldn't succeed because of his slight build, caused by growth impairments. He returned home to his hometown of Flachau and his father's ski school, which remains Maier's home. He took up work as a bricklayer in the summer and a ski instructor in the winter.
Participating in local races, Maier became a multiple regional champion in Salzburg and Tyrol, but still was not able to gain a spot in the strong Austrian World Cup ski team. Putting that behind him, his outstanding talent was recognized for the first time by Austrian coaches on 6 January 1996, when he was timed with the 12th fastest time in a World Cup giant slalom in Flachau, although only starting as a forerunner, not participating in the actual competition.[citation needed] This would become the starting point of his international career.
Actors: Hannes Michael Schalle (producer), Hannes Michael Schalle (director), Hannes Michael Schalle (composer), Hannes Michael Schalle (writer), Niki Lauda (actor), Guenther Mitterhuber (editor), Marlene Beran (producer), Guenther Mitterhuber (writer), Hermann Maier (actor), Thomas Muster (actor), Matthias Lanzinger (actor), Thomas Geierspichler (actor), Therese von Schwarzenberg (actress), Heinz Kinigadner (actor),
Plot: Against all odds - "Aus eigener Kraft" - tells extraordinary stories about world known Austrian sport athlets as Niki Lauda, Thomas Muster, Hermann Maier, Matthias Lanzinger, Heinz Kinigadner and Thomas Geierspichler, as well es the particular life story of Dr.Therese von Schwarzenberg. In personal interviews everyone tells his/her story of their experience after their tragic accidents, how they handled it and their way back into life and to the top of their sport disciplines.
Keywords: accident, comeback