Anna Schaffelhuber

Anna Schaffelhuber is a German professional alpine skier, born on February 22, 1993, in Regensburg, Germany. She is widely regarded as one of the most successful athletes in the history of Paralympic sports. Schaffelhuber began her professional career with the German national team and has won numerous titles, including seven Paralympic gold medals.

Schaffelhuber is known for her incredible speed, strength, precision, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, such as being the first athlete to win gold in all five alpine disciplines at a single Paralympics.

Off the field, Schaffelhuber is also recognized for her advocacy for disability rights and making significant charitable contributions.

Early Career

• Anna Schaffelhuber was introduced to skiing at a very young age. Despite being diagnosed with paraplegia as a child, she did not let her disability hinder her passion for skiing. She joined the German national team and began competing in international events.

Paralympic Success

• Anna made her Paralympic debut in Vancouver 2010, winning a silver medal. Her breakthrough came in Sochi 2014, where she won gold in all five alpine disciplines, becoming the first athlete to achieve this feat. She successfully defended three of her titles in Pyeongchang 2018, bringing her total Paralympic gold medals count to seven.

Retirement

• After the 2018 Paralympics, Schaffelhuber announced her retirement from professional sports. Despite retiring, she remains actively involved in promoting adaptive sports and advocating for disability rights.

Germany National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Germany in 2006.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: 7 gold medals and 1 silver medal.
• World Championships: 5 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals.
• Schaffelhuber is one of Germany's most decorated Paralympic athletes.

• Position: As an alpine skier, she competes in all five disciplines – downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and super combined.
• Skills: Known for her speed, precision, and strength. Schaffelhuber is celebrated for her versatility and determination.

• Education: Schaffelhuber has a degree in Economics and has expressed her interest in politics.
• Advocacy: Schaffelhuber is actively involved in promoting adaptive sports and advocating for disability rights. She also supports various charitable causes.

• Anna Schaffelhuber is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her determination and resilience in overcoming her disability. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the slopes, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Paralympic Games:

• 7 gold medals

World Championships:

• 5 gold medals
• 3 silver medals
• 3 bronze medals

Other Awards:

• Winner of the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability 2015

Books

• Schaffelhuber, A. (2015). Mein Sieg: Mit Mut und Willenskraft zum Erfolg. Munich: Herbig Verlag.

Websites

• International Paralympic Committee: Information about Anna Schaffelhuber’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• Deutscher Behindertensportverband: Details about Schaffelhuber’s career at the German national team. Available at: https://www.dbs-npc.de

Articles

• Deutsche Welle: Anna Schaffelhuber’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.dw.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• WDR Sport Inside: Various interviews and features on Anna Schaffelhuber, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.wdr.de