Piero Gros

1.1. Early Life and Education

Gros was born in Sauze d'Oulx, a municipality within the Province of Turin in the Piedmont region of Italy. He developed his skiing skills from a very young age, benefiting from the guidance and instruction of Aldo Monaci and Aldo Zulian. His natural talent became evident early on, as he achieved his first podium finish in a local race at the tender age of eight.

1.2. Career Beginnings

Piero Gros made his debut in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup at the age of 18 in December 1972. During his inaugural 1973 season, he quickly showcased his potential by winning two races: one in Val d'Isère, France, and another in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy. These victories marked him as the youngest Italian skier ever to win a World Cup race, signaling his emergence as a promising talent in the sport.

2.1. World Cup Career

Gros's most notable achievement in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup was winning the overall title in 1974. This remarkable feat placed him among an elite group of Italian skiers, sharing the distinction of an overall World Cup title with his friend and rival Gustav Thöni and later, Alberto Tomba. Thöni, who had won the overall title in the three preceding seasons, finished as the runner-up in 1974. Had it not been for Gros's victory, Thöni would have achieved an unprecedented five consecutive overall titles.

Throughout his career, Piero Gros accumulated a total of 12 World Cup race victories, comprising 7 in giant slalom and 5 in slalom. He secured 35 World Cup podium finishes (top 3 placements), which included 16 in giant slalom, 17 in slalom, and 2 in combined events. Additionally, he achieved 98 top ten finishes in World Cup competitions.

His season standings in the World Cup are summarized below:

Gros earned two season titles during his career:

His individual World Cup race victories are listed below:

2.2. Olympic and World Championship Success

Piero Gros's most significant and memorable achievement came at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, where he won the gold medal in the slalom event. In this race, he notably finished ahead of his teammate and close competitor, Gustav Thöni, marking one of Italy's most successful performances in alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics. Gros himself regarded this victory as particularly significant because he managed to defeat Ingemar Stenmark of Sweden, who was considered almost unbeatable at the time. Prior to this Olympic triumph, Gros had finished second to Stenmark six times during the 1976 World Cup season.

Beyond his Olympic success, Gros also earned medals at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. He secured a bronze medal in the giant slalom at the 1974 World Championships held in St. Moritz. Four years later, he added another World Championship medal to his collection, taking silver in the slalom event at the 1978 World Championships.

2.3. Rivalries

Piero Gros's career was significantly shaped by his intense rivalries with other top skiers of his generation, particularly Gustav Thöni and Ingemar Stenmark. His victory in the 1974 World Cup overall title prevented Thöni from achieving what would have been an unprecedented five consecutive overall titles, highlighting the fierce competition between the two Italian teammates. The rivalry with Stenmark, especially during the 1976 season, was also a defining aspect of his career. While Gros managed to defeat Stenmark in the crucial 1976 Olympic slalom, Stenmark's overall dominance in the late 1970s was a major factor contributing to Gros's more limited success during that period.

3.1. Political and Administrative Career

From 1985 to 1990, Piero Gros served as the mayor of his native village, Sauze d'Oulx. In this role, he acted as the head of the local government for his hometown, demonstrating his commitment to civic engagement and leadership within his community. During this period, he also operated a ski equipment specialty store.

3.2. Media and Sports Industry Involvement

Concurrent with his political career and afterwards, Gros actively engaged in the media and sports industries. He worked as a sports commentator for various television stations, including RAI, the Italian State Network. In 1996, he moved to Switzerland and began working as a ski commentator for Swiss-Italian Radio and Television.

His involvement extended to major international sporting events. He held several executive positions at the 1997 World Championships held in Sestriere. Furthermore, he played a significant role in the organization of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, serving as the head of volunteers and as the deputy mayor of the Olympic Village in Sestriere. His prominent involvement was further highlighted when he carried the Olympic torch at the Opening Ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics, being the final torchbearer before the lighting of the Olympic flame.

4.1. Family

Piero Gros is married and has a son named Giorgio Gros, born in 1981. Following in his father's footsteps, Giorgio Gros also pursued a career as an alpine ski racer. He competed on the European Cup circuit until 2006 and participated in over twenty World Cup speed events, continuing the family's legacy in the sport.