Dashing Skis

Only the dashing skill of the Scandinavians, Swiss and Austrians in the skiing events kept Russia's team lead as low as it was. More than any other single competitor, Austria's Anton ("Toni") Sailer held back the new giants of winter sport. Cortina's only three-time gold-medal winner (giant slalom, slalom and downhill), handsome Toni Sailer was the undisputed hero of the Winter Olympics. Thousands of his countrymen crossed the border to watch him schuss to victory, his well-known white cap topped with streamers, his bright white smile gleaming under dark goggles. His quick reactions to trail conditions underfoot were what set him apart from other top skiers. "He feels the snow through his skis," they said. "I have snow in my veins," said Toni.

For all Toni's skill, days before the games ended the Russians were far enough in front to throw a victory party. All the medals they had won were reawarded by the Soviet National Health and Sports Commissar. Winners also got appropriately inscribed chocolate cakes. Later, there were still more medals, still more cakes for the Russian hockey team, which provided the last big surprise by beating Canada 2-0 to take the Olympic title.

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