The former Austrian Alpine ski racer Franz Klammer has an estimated $1 to $5 million net worth as of April 2024. He represented various sports and skiing organizations as an ambassador.
He is well known as the “Kaiser Klammer” or “Klammer Express.” Also, he got these names from some of his friends and colleagues.
Franz is a two-time world champion and former Alpine ski racer who dominated the four consecutive seasons of the World Cup in the downhill event (1975-78.)
Standing as the extraordinary defining rider in an Alpine ski, Franz Klammer protrudes among those Alpine ski heroes.
From time to time, many debates have been raised about who could be the greatest ski racer of all time, and sure, Franz Klammer always took the number one stand.
Thanks to his hard work and determination, he has successfully established himself as the most successful Alpine ski racer in competitive ski racing history.
Franz was the gold medalist at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck by a margin of 0.33 seconds with a time of 1:45:73.
Therefore, Aspen Film screened the “Chasing The Line” film directed with this inspirational victory on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Isis theatre.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Franz Klammer |
| Born On | December 3, 1953 |
| Born At | Mooswald, Carinthia, Austria |
| Popular As | Klammer Express, The Kaiser |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Nationality | Austrian |
| Ethnicity | Unknown |
| Education | Dropped Out |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Father’s Name | Not Available |
| Mother’s Name | Not Available |
| Siblings | Klaus Klammer (Brother) |
| Age | 70 Years Old |
| Height | 6 feet/183 cm/1.83 m |
| Weight | 79 kg/174 lb. |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Built | Hourglass |
| Profession | Alpine Ski Racing |
| World Cup Debut | 1972 In December |
| Disciplines | Giant Slalom, Downhill, Combined |
| Active Years | From 1972 To 1985 |
| Retired | 1985 (Age 31) |
| Medals Won |
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| Currently Working As | Skiing Consultant |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Married To | Eva Klammer (Separated In 2021) |
| Children |
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| Net Worth | Estimated $5-$10 Million |
| Merch | Book, Signed Photo |
| Last Update | April 2024 |
Early Skiing Days
Franz Klammer was a competitive child since his early days and was often gratified in several sports.
Raised by farmers, Franz used to go to school skiing each winter morning. Klammer’s village had no ski lifts, so he had to climb the pasture to ski downhill behind his house.
Klammer was never interested in studies and dropped out of school at fourteen.
After dropping out of school, Franz started to help his parents on farms in the summer and ski racing in the winter season.
It wasn’t easy as expected for Klammer, and he had to face a lot of trouble to achieve his dream of becoming an Alpine skier.
But, despite being born into a mediocre family, his parents didn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams.
Rise To Prominence
Finally, Klammer’s hard work paid off when Franz debuted in the World Cup at nineteen. Franz couldn’t perform well in his debut because he was nervous then.
But the Austrian didn’t lose hope, kept training, and focused on improving his performance. Further, Franz’s life began to change after he turned twenty-two.
For the first time in 1976, Franz finally won an Olympic gold medal in downhill racing.
Later, Franz is also given the title of “Best Downhill Racer of all Time.”
Honors & Achievements
As a fun fact, Franz Klammer has accomplished so much today that skiers find it hard to overcome his umbra to establish their name. No wonder Franz is a fantastic Alpine ski racer and has offered a lot to the sport.
Nonetheless, it didn’t stop people from criticizing Franz for his implacable pursuit of victory.
Well, Klammer never responded to those criticisms, but he always embraced constructive criticism.
This Austrian ski racer undoubtedly won numerous awards and accolades during his active years. Some of Franz Klammer’s honors are listed below.
- One-time Olympics Gold Medal (1976)
- Two times gold medalist in World Championships (1974) (1976)
- Five times World Cup Downhill Winner (1975-1983)
- One-time silver medalist in World Championships (1974)
- In total, Klammer has won twenty-six World Cups.
Net Worth
Franz Klammer has a net worth of $5-$10 million as of 2024. His motor racing and other business ventures also contribute to his net worth.
Klammer is more than a former professional ski, motor, and Alpine racer. Franz is a businessperson and owns his sports clothing brand, Dynafit. Also, he is an advisor for World Skiing Champion Community.
Further, Franz states that his younger brother, Klaus, inspired him. Despite that, the Olympian retired from Olympics skiing in 1985 at 31.
Franz wasn’t satisfied with his thirst for ski racing and, thus, started a new journey of being a founder of a ski apparel company.
Franz’s brand is famous for manufacturing excellent products like gear and Spartacus. These products showcase Klammer’s passion, integrity, and personal sporting values.
In addition, “Chasing The Line” film is directed out on the inspirational story behind the epic downhill race of Franz Klammer at the 1976 Winter Olympics.
Aspen Film screened Klammer: Chasing the Line on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Isis Theatre.
Lifestyle
Back then, when Klammer was active in ski racing, he used to live a healthy life and still does.
Besides living a felicitous life, Franz concentrates on helping people around him.
He believes while helping needy people, letting it be done behind closed doors is better, rather than announcing it in front of the whole world. Thus, he doesn’t talk about most of the charities he does.
At twenty-six, the Austrian ski racer tied the knot with his wife, Eva Klammer, and got blessed with two daughters, Sophie and Stephanie.
At the peak of Klammer’s career, Eva looked after everyone when he couldn’t give time to his family.
After retirement, Klammer spent most of his time with his family. Although through a source, it got public that after almost 12 years of marriage, Franz and Eva separated in 2021.
Franz supposedly leads a single life, as no other sources have information regarding his new love interest.
Charity
Not only is Franz Klammer a good ski racer, but he is also a good human being. Franz is the founder of the Franz Klammer Foundation.
This foundation primarily focuses on athletes around Austria and aims to provide facilities for injured athletes whose lives have been changed due to injuries.
Besides, this is a non-profit foundation that Franz solely launched to help needy athletes.
Trivia
- Klammer is now working as a skiing consultant and is an ambassador for the United Nations.
- The autobiography of Franz 50 Golden Years and Franz Klammer: Ein Leben wie ein Roman (A Life like a Storybook) were published in 2003.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What does Franz Klammer do now?
Franz Klammer works as a ski consultant and ambassador for United Nations.
Is Franz Klammer the best downhill ski racer of all time?
Yes, Franz is still considered the best downhill racer of all time.
What movie name was inspired by Franz Klammer at the 1976 Winter Olympics?
Chasing The Line is inspired by Klammer, which Andreas Schmied directed in 2021.
