Thöni celebrates his birthday: "Health is the most important thing"

“We raced together in our youth. Roland or I usually won, and Matteo preferred a different profession,” chuckles South Tyrol’s Athlete of the Century. Gustav Thöni turns 75 this Saturday. We asked him for an early birthday interview.

How is the construction progressing?

Gustav Thöni: The weather is beautiful and warm today, I'm doing well.

A star architect designs for a sports star. A good combination. Matteo Thun created the project; now we're in the execution phase. That's something different again; you have to be involved yourself and pay close attention. We're doing that as a family—my wife, my daughter, and my son-in-law.

Do guests come because it's Gustav Thöni's hotel?

Not all of them, but quite a few. Especially Italian guests and – surprisingly to me – also guests from East Germany.

From the former GDR?

East German television apparently broadcast the ski races back then. In any case, East Germans know a lot about me and those times.

Speaking of those times: Your appearance as a torchbearer at the Olympic Games in Cortina caused a sensation and generated enthusiasm – even strong emotions. Did you feel that way too?

Yes. I arrived two days early and couldn't walk two meters in Cortina without being recognized or stopped. Everyone wanted to take selfies, I had to sign autographs, and sometimes people even applauded. On opening day, I devised a shortcut to get back to the hotel. It was almost too much of a good thing.

Emotional moment: Gustav Thöni and Sofia Goggia as torchbearers.

What do these people say to you?

Everyone remembers their youth, and many know where they were and where they saw me compete in my races. They tell me about it, and you can tell it still moves them today. It's lovely.

You seemed a little unsure while carrying the torch. Were you nervous?

Not at all, the problem was that the street and the surrounding area were pitch black and the television lights were shining directly in my face. I couldn't see a thing, and it's difficult to walk straight in that kind of darkness.

Alberto Tomba said you deserved to be the last torchbearer to light the Olympic flame.

No, it worked out well that way. In sports, and not only there, you always have to make way for younger people.

Do you still have contact with Tomba and with former Olympians, such as Paul Hildgartner or Klaus Dibiasi?

We talk to Tomba regularly. Not so much to the others, unless we're invited to a legends gathering or something.

Did you follow the Olympic Games?

Of course, all day long. I watched everything, not just ski races.

The fact that Italy won 30 medals is almost unbelievable.

That's an incredible result, yes. Impressive.

When did you first realize that you were on your way to the top? Was it already during the races in your youth?

That was the victory at the Trofeo Topolino (which was the unofficial ski world championship for the youth category, now called the Alpe Cimbra Cup) on Monte Bondone in Trento. Perhaps also because we were practically showered with prizes.

Gustav Thöni is celebrating his 75th birthday.

What did you get?

Among other things, there was an electric slot car track and a small toboggan that you could drive yourself. Nothing fancy, but I kept it for ages; even my daughters still rode it. And of course, it came with a trophy. Just like later in Kitzbühel, where there was only one trophy too.

In Kitzbühel there was only one trophy, no prize money?

There was no prize money, just a trophy, and you only got that if you won (laughs).

So you guys from "Valanga Azzurra" didn't earn much money?

Yes, we did receive bonuses through the ski pool, and they were quite decent – but of course no comparison to what is paid out today.

Will the renovated family hotel have a dedicated room to commemorate your victories and the "Valanga Azzurra"?

Yes, Matteo Thun has come up with an idea and we are now implementing it.

How big a celebration will you have for your seventy-fifth birthday?

As has been the case almost always lately – with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel with the whole family.

They have three daughters and twelve grandchildren?

Yes, they're all involved. Petra runs the hotel, Susanne, who lives in Lana, helps her, and Anna, who lives in Prad, also helps.

Is one of the grandchildren on the verge of becoming a world-class skier?

They all ski and some even race (laughs) But I don't think they'll pursue a sporting career.

How often do you still go skiing yourself?

I still really enjoy skiing – in Trafoi and Sulden. I used to go skiing with our guests every week, but I don't anymore. At least not at the moment.

They're giving themselves a hotel as a birthday present; when will it be finished?

In May, and therefore in time for the summer season.

On behalf of the entire editorial team, I wish you a very happy birthday and, above all, good health. We are always proud of you!

Thank you. Health is the most important thing.

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Thöni celebrates his birthday: "Health is the most important thing"

It's shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. Gustav Thöni is on the construction site. The Hotel "Bella Vista" in Trafoi is being expanded; the project is by Matteo Thun.

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