A maximum speed of 158.77 km/h, or 98.66 mph, marked the World Cup speed record set by Carlo Janka on 18 January 2013. Achieving this feat on the Haneggschuss, the swiftest section of the Lauberhorn slope in Wengen, Switzerland, Janka solidified his status among the elite competitors of alpine skiing.
Early Development and Junior Success
Born on 15 October 1986 in Obersaxen, Graubünden, Janka grew up with immediate access to winter sports facilities. His formal competition began in December 2001 at the age of 15 when he took part in his initial international FIS race. By January 2004, he progressed to the Europa Cup circuit. He earned a bronze medal in giant slalom at the 2006 Junior World Championships held at Mt. Ste. Anne, Quebec, and concluded the 2007 Europa Cup season ranked fourth overall.
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Janka entered the World Cup circuit in December 2005 but faced initial difficulty, failing to finish his first two attempts. His trajectory shifted on 29 November 2008, when he secured second place in the downhill at Lake Louise starting from the 65th position. Shortly thereafter, he recorded victories in Val d'Isère and Wengen. At the 2009 World Championships in Val d'Isère, he claimed a gold medal in giant slalom and a bronze in downhill. By December 2009, he achieved three wins in one weekend at Beaver Creek, Colorado, matching a record held by Hermann Maier.
Olympic Gold and Overall World Cup Title
The 2010 season proved defining for his career. On 23 February 2010, Janka secured the gold medal in the giant slalom at the Vancouver Olympics held at Whistler Creekside. At the World Cup finals in Garmisch, Germany, he became the fourth Swiss racer to win the overall World Cup title, distancing himself from his closest challenger, Benjamin Raich. In October 2010, he received the Skieur d'Or Award, marking the first time a Swiss male skier held the honor since 1990.
Later Career Adjustments
Following health challenges after the 2011 World Championships, Janka returned to competition to win the giant slalom in Kranjska Gora on 5 March 2011. He maintained a presence in professional racing for over a decade, participating across downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and alpine combined events. In the aftermath of the 2013-14 season, he transitioned his equipment provider from Atomic to Rossignol.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 October 1986, Obersaxen
- Citizenship: Switzerland
- Occupation: Alpine skier
- Notable Award: Skieur d'or (2010)
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2010 Vancouver (Giant Slalom)
- World Cup Victories: 11
- World Cup Podiums: 28
- Top Speed Recorded: 158.77 km/h
Questions readers ask
What major title did Janka win in 2010?
He won the World Cup overall title and an Olympic gold medal in the giant slalom.
Which equipment brand did Janka switch to after the 2013-14 season?
He switched to Rossignol.
