11 Facts About Piero Gros

Piero "Pierino" Gros was born on 30 October 1954 and is a former World Cup alpine ski racer from northwestern Italy.

Piero Gros won the gold medal in slalom at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, and was the World Cup overall champion in 1974.

Piero Gros learned to ski at an early age, thanks to Aldo Monaci and Aldo Zulian.

Piero Gros made his debut in the World Cup at age 18 in December 1972.

Thoni had won the overall title the three preceding seasons and would reclaim it in 1975; he was the runner-up in 1974, and if not for Piero Gros, would've won an unthinkable five consecutive overall titles.

Piero Gros won the bronze medal in the giant slalom at the 1974 World Championships in St Moritz.

Piero Gros won another world championship medal in 1978, taking silver in slalom.

Piero Gros had 35 World Cup podiums and 98 top ten finishes.

Piero Gros retired from international competition following the 1982 season, at the age of 27.

Piero Gros held various executive positions at the 1997 World Championships in Sestriere and was involved with the 2006 Winter Olympics as head of the volunteers and deputy mayor of the Olympic Village in Sestriere.

Piero Gros carried the Olympic torch at the Opening Ceremony.