Heinz Hämmerle
Heinz Hämmerle, sometimes written as Heinz Hammerle, is an Austrian alpine ski technician known for his work with Lindsey Vonn as part of Vonn Tech, who also calls him Magic Heinzi.[1] Techs are responsible for the ongoing tuning of the skis to ensure success.[2]
Early life
Hämmerle is from Lustenau, Austria, and was a ski racer in childhood.[3]
Career
Prior to his work with Vonn, the first female skier he worked with,[3] he was a technician for Armin Assinger, Bode Miller, Patrick Ortlieb, Hans Olsson, Leonhard Stock and Hannes Trinkl. He worked at the Olympics from 1980 through 2018 and retired in 2024 after Vonn first retired from competitive skiing.[3][4][5] They were paired when Vonn transferred from Rossignol to Head,[3] and together, Vonn and Hammerle won 3 Olympic and 50 World Cup races.[6] An injury prevented him from joining her in coming out of retirement.[7]
References
- ↑ "Behind the scenes of the women's Olympic downhill". Los Angeles Times. 17 February 2010. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ Press, The Associated (30 January 2018). "Alpine ski techs are out of sight — and the key to Olympic glory". San Mateo Daily Journal. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Vinton, Nathaniel (13 February 2010). "Downhill skiing hopeful Lindsey Vonn on solid footing with renowned ski tech Heinz Haemmerle". New York Daily News. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ Mulvenney, Nick (20 February 2018). "Alpine skiing: 'Magic Heinzi' gives Vonn the edge in downhill". Reuters. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ "Unstoppable: Lindsey Vonn". www.redbull.com. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ Bhattacharya, Soumik (25 March 2024). ""Two people who helped me so much in my career and life" - Lindsey Vonn on celebrating retirement of former coach and ski technician in Austria". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ↑ AP, Associated Press. "Lindsey Vonn says she 'would be proud to race with anyone' in team combined at the Olympics". ny1.com. Retrieved 7 March 2026.