Michael von Grünigen, Swiss skier

Michael von Grünigen is a Swiss former alpine skier. He is considered to be the most successful Giant slalom skier of his era: In 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2003, he won the World Cup in Giant slalom. In 1997 and 2001, he was World Champion in giant slalom. He took a total of 23 World Cup wins during his career. Having originally announced his retirement at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, after failing to medal at the Games he elected to delay his retirement for a year, ending his competitive career in 2003.