World champion baby brings about a Christmas miracle

Super-G world champion Stephanie Venier and former speed specialist Christian Walder have become parents for the first time.

28 December 2025

From: tu/apa

The Tyrolean skier, who retired from alpine ski racing this summer, shared a picture of her child under the Christmas tree on Instagram on Sunday. "This Christmas, our hearts received the most beautiful gift," the 32-year-old wrote.

The two ski stars welcomed their child on December 14th. The happy news was met with congratulations from numerous winter sports enthusiasts on social media – including prominent names like Lindsay Vonn, Kira Weidle, and Thomas Morgenstern.

Stephanie Venier: First world champion, now also a mother. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

The Tyrolean athlete was also named Austria's Sportswoman of the Year at the beginning of October, following her World Championship triumph in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Venier and Walder have been married since September. For the world champion, this brings an extremely successful 2025 to a close.

Keywords Winter sports Alpine skiing Stephanie Venier Christian Walder Baby