Specializing in technical slalom and giant slalom disciplines, the Austrian athlete secured four Olympic medals and seven World Championship medals during a professional career that spanned over a decade of international competition before her retirement in September 2014.
Early Career and Physical Challenges
Born in 1981 in Admont, Austria, Schild initially favored downhill racing. However, frequent medical interventions necessitated a change in focus. By age 19, she had already undergone five knee surgeries. This led her to shift her professional attention toward the less physically demanding technical disciplines of slalom and giant slalom to preserve her long-term ability to compete.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →World Cup Milestones
Schild achieved five World Cup season titles throughout her career, including four in slalom and one in the combined discipline. Her most successful year in overall standings occurred in 2007 when she secured second place, trailing only fellow Austrian Nicole Hosp. Following a severe injury in 2008 involving a fracture of the tibia and fibula, she returned to the podium in late 2009. She held the record for most World Cup slalom victories until December 2018.
Olympic and Championship Performance
At the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Schild earned silver in the combined and bronze in the slalom. She later captured consecutive silver medals in the slalom at the 2010 Vancouver Games and the 2014 Sochi Games. Her World Championship record includes a gold medal in the team event in 2007 at Åre and a silver medal in the same event at Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 2011.
Personal Life and Family
Schild is married to the Austrian ski racer Benjamin Raich. Her sister, Bernadette Schild, born in 1990, also competed as a World Cup racer. During the 2014 season, both sisters appeared on the same podium on two occasions: first at Courchevel in December and again at Kranjska Gora in February.
Fast facts
- Born: 1981, Admont, Austria
- Total World Cup victories: 37
- Olympic medals: 4
- World Championship medals: 7
- Retirement date: September 2014
- Spouse: Benjamin Raich
- Sister: Bernadette Schild
Questions readers ask
What were Marlies Schild's best disciplines?
She specialized in slalom and giant slalom, with 35 of her 37 World Cup wins coming in the slalom event.
How many Olympic medals did she win?
She won four Olympic medals: silver in the combined (2006), bronze in slalom (2006), and silver in slalom (2010 and 2014).
