Ted Ligety
Alpine Skiing
2006 Olympic gold medalist
2010 Olympic hopeful
Personal Specs
Height: 5'11"
Short List Performance
- 2006 Olympic Winter Games gold medalist in Combined, became youngest U.S. male skier (21) to win Olympic gold
- 2009 World Championships bronze medalist - Giant Slalom
- 2007-08 World Cup season champion - Giant Slalom
- Four career World Cup race wins, 15 career podiums and 48 career top 10s
Vancouver Watch
Ligety proved his 2006 Olympic gold medal was no one-hit wonder by capturing a bronze at this year's World Championships. If Bode Miller decides to skip the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games or retire beforehand, Ligety will shoulder the hopes of the U.S. Men's Ski Team. Look for the Park City native to be a strong medal contender in the slalom and giant slalom events and a threat to defend his Torino title in the combined.
Personal
Ligety is a graduate of Park City's Winter Sports School along with fellow U.S. skier Julia Mancuso. He made an unconventional quick rise to stardom after failing to make the Park City ski team on his first try and not making the U.S. Ski Team until he was 18. Since 2006, he has worked on speed events (downhill, super-G) in hopes of becoming a better all-around racer.
Did You Know...?
- Nicknamed "Shred" and "Ligety Split"
- Co-founded "Shred Optics" product line for ski goggles and sunglasses
- Styled his hair into a mullet after winning the World Cup season Giant Slalom title in 2008 and styled a perm as part of an agreement with his coach who had to sport a flat top
- Named the 21st most influential person in Utah sports by the Salt Lake Tribune in 2008, ahead of golfer Johnny Miller and fellow skier Lindsey Vonn