Walter Tresch dies, a four-time World Cup winner and silver medallist behind Thoeni in the combined event at Sapporo ’72

Just a few weeks after Roland Collombin, Swiss skiing is also bidding farewell to Walter Tresch.

At 78, a fine champion of Swiss skiing has passed away. He had been living with illness for several years and died peacefully, as reported today by “Blick” (his death occurred last Saturday), at home surrounded by the affection of his loved ones and his four children.

Born in Uri, Tresch was a leading figure in the World Cup for many years during the 1970s, claiming 14 podium finishes and winning on 4 occasions: the first in 1971 in the downhill at Sankt Moritz, followed by three victories in the combined event at iconic venues such as Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Kitzbuehel and his beloved Wengen, in 1977 shortly before announcing his retirement at the age of 29.

At the 1972 Sapporo Games, he won the medal that also counted towards the world championships, taking silver in “his” combined event behind Gustavo Thoeni. At his second Olympic appearance in Innsbruck ’76, he also finished 4th in the slalom, with the Valanga Azzurra producing its final top-level performance at a five-ring event, highlighted by the historic Gros-Thoeni one-two.

After leaving competitive sport, the Swiss champion, born in 1948, opened a wine-trading business and also sold sporting goods.