Kyle Rasmussen

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Kyle Rasmussen (born June 20, 1968 in Sonora , California ) is a retired American ski racer . He was a member of the US national ski team for 13 years. In 1996 he became the American super-G champion . During his career he took part in three Winter Olympics.

Rasmussen made the leap to the US national ski team in 1985. However, his international breakthrough didn't come until the mid-1990s. Although he had never placed in the top ten in the World Cup before, he surprisingly finished second in the combined descent at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer . A miserable performance in the slalom prevented a top placement.

In the post-Olympic season, Rasmussen then confirmed his achievements and established himself alongside Tommy Moe and AJ Kitt as one of the best downhill racers in the USA. In January 1995, he became the first American since Bill Johnson to win the prestigious Lauberhorn race in Wengen . Six weeks later he landed the second World Cup victory of his career on the descent from Kvitfjell . Overall, Rasmussen was able to place in the top ten at twelve World Cup races between March 1994 and December 1996.

His career was suddenly interrupted when he tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee in the Lauberhorn race in January 1997 . After his recovery he returned to the US ski team and qualified for the 1998 Winter Olympics , but was unable to match his top placings. After the 1997/98 season he announced his resignation from the national ski team and joined the North American professional racing tour. Today he lives with his wife Linda and two children in the Bear Valley ski area, which was founded by his grandfather.

World Cup victories

date place country discipline
January 21, 1995 Wengen Switzerland Departure
March 11, 1995 Kvitfjell Norway Departure

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Rasmussen, Kyle
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American ski racer
DATE OF BIRTH June 20, 1968
PLACE OF BIRTH Sonora , California