What do racers do after they retire (continued)?

Today, we'll take a look at how notable names in ski racing have fared once they retired and try to find underlying trends and understand them. The “older guard,” or the competitors that were in the heat of the battle before the 70's earned their money after their ski career was over. Killy comes to mind as the one able to parlay his medals into an impressive international career, spanning from car promotions, a myriad of endorsements, to creating his own ski clothing line and landing a seat at the IOC. Toni Sailer would come next, touching at everything from endorsements to movies, singing, and coaching but having mostly an impact in Austria and Germany. Knighted by the King of Norway Stein Ericksen had an impressive run, but this time by strictly staying within the confines of his sport. Vuarnet not just imagined a new ski resort but also created a brand well positioned to survive him, not a small feat!

In the seventies, Switzerland's Russi became “the” downhill designer, while Annie Famose married well and turned into the ski rental queen of France. In spite of their phenomenal wins, Thoeni and Stenmark couldn't smile nearly enough to cash in; the former became a coach and the latter had to make do with ski product endorsements. Only Franz Klammer, famous in Austria, endorsed the nascent extension at Telluride in the USA. It is to be noted that Austrian, Italian, German and Swiss skiers seldom succeeded well beyond their own borders in post-career endeavors.

After being expelled from the French ski team, Henri Duvillard managed to dominate the Pro Tour before starting his clothing line, while on the same circuit, Kashiwa got recognition that he turned into an opportunity to begin Volant skis. Just like Thoeni and Stenmark, a lack of congeniality kept the Mahre brothers on the sidelines of fame in spite of their incredible talent.

More recently, Tomba and Hermann Maier made their money before they retired so whatever they could do later might always pale in comparison; the same is likely apply to a small number of top skiers at the moment. Only Kjuss has made it so far to the reconversion game by starting a successful clothing line; Ligety hasn't been waiting till the end to start his “Shred” brand, and it remain to be seen how Bode Miller and Lindsey Vonn especially, will deal with the notoriety that has been handed to them. Sadly, male athletes still appear to be the one better able to capitalize on their skiing careers. Only Vonn has the potential to turn the tables of sexism and usher a more level playing field...