Ingemar Stenmark (born March 18, 1956 in Joesjö, Storuman Municipality) is a Swedish alpine skier, a slalom specialist, who was one of the most successful performers in the history of the sport. In 1976 he became the first Scandinavian to win the Alpine World Cup (then based on slalom, giant slalom, and downhill races). He repeated the victory in 1977–78. At the time of his retirement he had won 86 World Cup races, which is more than anyone has ever won in alpine skiing. Even the second best Hermann Maier has won “only” 54 races. No wonder why many pro alpine skiers such as Kalle Palander, and even many freskiers such as Skipe Oivo, consider Ingemar Stenmark as an idol.

As Wikipedia says, Ingemar Stenmark was born in the province of Lappland. His family moved to Tärnaby when he was four years old, where he became neighbours with Stig Strand, who would later win the World Cup Slalom title. He began skiing at the age of five and won his first national competition at the age of eight.

When looking at the whole career of Ingemar Stenmark we can see that his results are simply amazing.

• 1st place: 92 times
• 2nd place: 45 times
• 3rd place: 28 times
• 4th place: 10 times
• 5th place: 13 times
• 6th place: 10 times
• 7th place: 8 times
• 8th place: 7 times
• 9th place: 5 times
• 10th place: 4 times.

During the years from 1976 to 1978 Ingemar Stenmark, along with tennis player Björn Borg, became a national icon in Sweden. This was not changed by the fact that he (for tax reasons) soon moved to Monaco.

Needles to say, Ingemar Stenmark is a very interesting person in alpine skiing world, especially for Finns living side by side with our Swedish neighbors. Our Slovakian partners at Snowmagazin got a chance to chat with Ingemar Stenmark (see the original interview here). It is our pleasure to present you the whole interview in English. They say short answers are typical to Ingemar, so no long stories coming  next.

Ingemar Stenmark in interview

How did you end up competing for Slovenian ski brand Elan although you come from Sweden? How your co-operation started?

A man from Elan Sweden offered me 3 pairs of Elan skis for free when I was 13. That’s how it all began. The skis were good so I just continued with Elan.

At that time Elan skis were very modern and up to date. What do you think about Elan skis today? How long were the slalom skis you had that time?

I think that Elan has a very good research and development department, and they have a lot of ideas and innovations. I used 205 for slalom and 210 for GS.

Which is your favorite ski resort where you spend most of skiing?

Tärnaby, Sweden and Colorado.

You became a real legend. How has it affected your life?

I spend most of my time with my family.

At what age did you start ski racing, and how would you advice kids at the beginning of their career?

I began at 7, but the important is that you have fun no matter what age.

Did you have a life slogan, which you followed?

No.

Despite that it is not a challenge for you, don’t you plan to participate at the The World Winter Masters Games 2010, which starts on the 25th January in Slovenia?

No, my racing career is over.

Do you remember where you won your first race?

Yes it was a school race at the age of 7.

A lot of journalists have most probably already asked you this question. Which victory was the most valuable for you?

The olympic games 1980 GS in Lake Placid.

What do you think about the new disciplines in skiing such as ski cross that will be introduction at the Winter Olympic Games this year?

I do not like ski cross so much but I personally I like powder skiing.

You reached your biggest success at the end of 70s and beginning of 80s. What was your motivation to keep competing after this great period of victories?

It was hard to find motivation which you could also see at my results.

In 1984 you were not allowed to enter the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo to repeat two victories from Lake Placid due to be a professional skier. What do you think about it?

I knew it already 4 years in advance and accepted it.

Couple of Ingemar Stenmark videos