Anna Veith secured her first World Cup overall title in 2014 by clinching a runner-up finish in the super-G at Lenzerheide. Born in 1989 in Hallein, Austria, the alpine skier emerged from the village of Adnet to dominate the world stage, claiming consecutive overall World Cup championships in 2014 and 2015 before retiring from the sport in May 2020.
Early Career and Junior Success
Veith debuted on the World Cup circuit in November 2006 at Levi, Finland, at the age of 17. Her early promise was evident at the Junior World Championships, where she earned gold in the super-G and silver in the downhill in 2006. By 2008, she expanded her trophy cabinet with a gold medal in the giant slalom and two silver medals in combined and downhill events.
Ascension to World Champion
The 2011 season marked a significant breakthrough for Veith. At the World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, she secured gold in the super combined and a silver medal in the team event alongside teammates Romed Baumann, Michaela Kirchgasser, Benjamin Raich, Marlies Schild, and Philipp Schörghofer. That same year, she won the gold medal in the super-G at the Austrian Championships.
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Her performance at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, established her as a primary force in the sport. She won the super-G at Rosa Khutor and claimed silver in the giant slalom. Following these achievements, she successfully defended her overall World Cup title in 2015 after a season-long battle with Tina Maze, concluded by a victory in Meribel.
Physical Challenges and Retirement
Veith experienced severe injuries that impacted her career trajectory. In October 2015, a training fall in Sölden resulted in tears to her ACL and meniscus, forcing a lengthy absence from competition. A subsequent cruciate ligament tear in January 2019 at Pozza di Fassa further hindered her progress. She eventually announced her retirement on 13 May 2020.
Conservation Initiatives
Beyond her athletic career, Veith serves as an ambassador for the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Her commitment to the non-profit organization, which focuses on protecting cheetahs and ensuring their future, is reflected in the cheetah-themed design of her professional racing helmet.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Hallein, Austria
- World Cup debut: 11 November 2006
- World Cup overall champion: 2014, 2015
- Olympic gold medal: Sochi 2014, super-G
- Retirement: 13 May 2020
- Citizenship: Austria
- Non-profit support: Cheetah Conservation Fund
Questions readers ask
Which disciplines did Anna Veith compete in?
She competed in all five alpine disciplines, though she ceased participating in the slalom in January 2012.
What major titles did she win in 2015?
She won the World Cup overall title and the giant slalom crystal globe, along with gold medals in the super-G and giant slalom at the World Championships.
