Klammer backs Eberharter

Klammer won the Olympic downhill gold in 1976

By BBC Sport Online's Anna Thompson

He may have retired from competitive skiing more than a decade ago but Austrian ski legend Franz Klammer is still a demon on the slopes.

And, if he was still in his prime, he believes he would be able to beat today's top skiers, including a fit-again Hermann Maier.

Life for Klammer these days is a mixture of golf, being a United Nations goodwill ambassador, as well as recreational skiing and the odd public relations appearance.

  Franz Klammer

Age: 48

From: Austria

Won Olympic downhill gold in 1976

Won World Cup downhill title in 1975, 76, 77, 78 and 83

Notched up 25 World Cup victories between 1974-84

But he still loves recalling his ski hey-day when he won Olympic downhill gold and five World Cup titles.

Klammer won the downhill at the Innsbruck Games in 1976.

He said: "It was such a fantastic achievement to win a gold medal at the Olympics. And on home soil as well.

"It was a wonderful experience.

"It must be great for all those who are going to the Salt Lake City Olympics in February."

Klammer said he does not miss the ski racing lifestyle.

But he added: "If I was younger I believe I would beat everybody, of course!

"The Austrian ski team has gone from strength to strength and is so strong at the moment."

And he is backing Stephan Eberharter to lift downhill gold at Salt Lake City.

Klammer said: "Eberharter is having a great run of form, and he must have a great chance of becoming the champion."

The reason Austria is so strong is simple, said Klammer.

"We are a small country and it is the sport that everyone follows.

"We have really good facilities and there is a lot of support for our skiers. We have a natural advantage over many countries."

But he says Britain Alain Baxter could spring a surprise in the slalom.

Klammer added: " Baxter could do well at the Olympics, especially as it is a one-off race.

"Last year he did very well when he had a low starting position, often down in the 40s, but now he is starting alongside the top skiers, which is a big advantage.

"He can be very quick, and one the day of the race, who knows?"