There were very emotional scenes that took place in the finish area after the run of the last starter with Bib 60. This was none other than Steven Nyman, American downhill specialist from Provo, Utah. The home race in Aspen was the perfect occasion for the three-time World Cup winner and three-time Olympic participant to say goodbye to the World Cup circus after more than 20 years.
The career
Steven's career in the World Cup began in 2002 with a 15th-place finish in the slalom in Zauchensee, then from 2005 he was a permanent member of the American World Cup squad. The highlights of his career were certainly the three World Cup victories, all three of which he took on the Saslong in Val Gardena/Gröden. Nyman has a total of 11 podium finishes, all of them in his favorite discipline, the downhill.
Nyman has competed at the Olympic Games in Turin, Vancouver and Sochi, as well as at the Alpine World Championships in Are, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Schladming, Vail/Beaver Creek and Are.
The person
Despite Nyman’s 6-foot-4 frame, imposing figure and often scruffy, tough-guy looks, he earned the reputation as one of the friendliest guys on tour. As a very caring and companionable person, Steven was a much-loved part of the World Cup circuit. Especially for all American athletes and young riders, but also
internationally, he was a role model for many, both in terms of athletic performance and his commitment to the sport as such.
The victory run
At the World Cup in Aspen, Nyman was able to bid a fitting farewell to the big stage of professional skiing. After missing a large part of the season due to ongoing back problems and a hand injury, Steven still didn't miss one last run and made it to his so called "victory run". Wearing denim pants and a denim vest, he was the 60th and final starter, streaming his run live on social media and stopping by each companion on the course to say thanks and goodbye once again. Before the race, World Cup colleagues such as Kilde, Braathen, Innerhofer, Marsaglia, Ginnis, etc. already bid him farewell via video message. At the finish line, family and friends were waiting for him, American teammates rushed to meet him and all the World Cup athletes lined up to congratulate him personally on this career. This, too, is surely a sign of the status and popularity Nyman enjoys internationally because of your style.
The Fischer connection
Nyman competed his entire career on Fischer skis, proving his loyalty and fidelity here as well, and was especially convinced of the quality of the products and the support. Over the years, a friendly relationship developed between him and the ski manufacturer's staff. "Thank you for being by my side all this time!" commented Nyman on Instagram, and let's see where the joint journey still leads.
Steven's journey to click through
