Jean Vuarnet

Jean Vuarnet (Known as "Jean Vuarnet")

["alpine ski racer", "Olympic downhill champion", "sunglass innovator"]

Born Jan 18, 1933

Le Bardo, Tunisia

Passed Away Jan 02, 2017 Sallanches, France

Lifespan 83 years old

13 views

Notice / Correction

"In skiing as in life, reducing resistance is the secret to flying."

Archival Overview

French alpine ski racer who won the downhill gold medal at the 1960 Winter Olympics, revolutionized speed skiing with the 'egg' tuck and metal skis.

Biographical Record

Jean Vuarnet (1933–2017) was a French alpine ski racer and visionary innovator who fundamentally altered downhilling. At the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California, Vuarnet claimed the downhill gold medal riding revolutionary metal skis (Rossignol Allais 60) without ski wax.

Vuarnet invented the aerodynamic tuck position known worldwide as the oeuf ('egg' or aerodynamic tuck), which remains standard across global speed skiing today. He later developed the French mega-resort of Avoriaz and lent his name to the iconic Vuarnet eyewear brand.

Key Life Milestones

February 22, 1960

Olympic Downhill Gold with the Egg Tuck

Won the Olympic downhill gold medal at Squaw Valley using his revolutionary aerodynamic 'egg' tuck position on metal skis.

December 20, 1966

Creation and Opening of Avoriaz Resort

Spearheaded the development and architectural creation of the car-free ski resort of Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Cimetière de Morzine
Morzine, France

                         GPS: 46.1792, 6.7089                    

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