Simon Ammann

Updated：2008-05-12 10:17 | Source：beijing2008

Pragelato, 17 February 2006, XX Olympic Winter Games. Ski jumping:  Ski jumping: Simon AMMANN of Switzerland competes in the large hill  individual qualifying. Credit: Getty Images/Clive Mason

Born: 25 June 1981

Birthplace: Grabs

Nationality: Switzerland

Sport: Skiing

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Nagano 1998

Salt Lake City 2002

Turin 2006

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 2

Ski Jump Surprise

Ski jumper Simon Ammann was one of the least expected winners of the Salt Lake City Winter Games. When he was 16 years old, he competed at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, placing 35th in the normal hill event and 39th on the large hill. Ammann entered the 2002 Olympics without ever having won a World Cup event. His best result ever on the normal hill was 26th place. Nevertheless, at the Salt Lake City Games, he put together two superb jumps to edge Sven Hannawald for the victory by one and a half points. Four days later, Ammann proved that his victory was not a fluke by earning a second gold medal on the large hill. This time he recorded the best jump in each round to win by more than 11 points.

(Credit: IOC. Click here for further information.)

Editor : LiuAnqi