22 years ago: Alberto Tomba resigns

Alberto Tomba was the first superstar in skiing, the crowd favorite and the “bad boy”. “Tomba la Bomba” enchanted the masses, especially in Italy, and he often brought his opponents to the brink of despair with psychological games. “Before the start, I don't drink tea with rum, but rum with tea,” the Olympic champion and world champion freely stated in interviews - the truth is probably on a different sheet of paper. Tomba achieved his first podium place on December 1, 14, coming second in the giant slalom in Alta Badia. A year later he won on the “Gran Risa”, which became his “living room” with a total of 1986 victories. Only the Austrian Marcel Hirscher surpassed this record with 4 victories in the giant slalom. Tomba still holds one record: He is the only ski racer to celebrate at least one World Cup victory in 6 seasons in a row. One of the fathers of this success was South Tyrol's ski legend Gustav Thöni, whom Tomba hired as a private trainer in 11 - after a comparatively weak season and trouble with paparazzi and gossip columns. Alberto Tomba celebrated his last World Cup victory at the World Cup final on March 15, 1998 in the slalom in Crans Montana (SUI), it was his 50th victory (15 victories in giant slalom, 35 in slalom). In the all-time best list, Tomba is in fourth place, behind record holders Ingemar Stenmark (4/SWE), Marcel Hirscher (86/AUT) and Hermann Maier (67/AUT). Alberto Tomba, who was struggling with massive back problems, officially ended his career on October 3, 1998, after long speculation in the media. He then worked as an actor and TV commentator, among other things.

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22 years ago: Alberto Tomba resigns

October 3, 1998 cemented its place in the annals of alpine skiing. Alberto Tomba ended his outstanding career with the words “Niente lacrime, ma tanti sorrisi” (No tears, but lots of smiles).

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