Published: 16.12.24

PETER RUNGGALDIER

nicknamed "Runghi," is a former Italian alpine skier. Born in 1968, he specialized in speed events and helped bring Italian alpine skiing, traditionally stronger in technical disciplines, to prominence in downhill and super-G races during the 1990s. He won a World Championship medal in Saalbach-Hinterglemm in 1991 and a Super-G World Cup title in the 1994-95 season. In the World Cup, he achieved 12 podium finishes, including two victories, and competed in two Olympic Games (Lillehammer 1994 and Nagano 1998). Additionally, he has completed the Gardenissima more than 20 times. He is the father of two children, including Teresa, who has followed in his footsteps.

TERESA RUNGGALDIER

is an Italian alpine skier specializing in speed events, originally from Selva di Val Gardena and Peter's daughter. Competing internationally since November 2015, she debuted in the Europa Cup on January 10, 2017, in Saalbach-Hinterglemm—where her father won his World Championship medal in 1991—finishing 27th in downhill. Her World Cup debut was on January 26, 2021, in Val di Fassa (39th in downhill). On February 5, 2024, she secured her first Europa Cup victory and podium in super-G at La Thuile. Fresh off her best World Cup season, she is set to tackle the Gardenissima’s 110+ gates for the second time—barring any unforeseen events.

Was it harder to race yourself or to watch your daughter race from the sidelines?
Peter: Without a doubt, racing myself was easier. Watching Teresa from the sidelines, with the constant temptation to step in and help her, has always been harder for me. In fact, I’ve always "suffered" more watching than participating.

Did you hope or dream that your daughter would follow in your footsteps, or did you envision a different life for her?
Peter: Skiing has given me so much, allowing me to experience extraordinary emotions and strong sensations while pursuing my dreams. Naturally, I wanted to share and wish Teresa the same emotions. That said, I never pushed her to take up skiing or pursue a professional career. Her decision to ski professionally was entirely her own.

Did you ever offer Teresa advice or suggestions? If so, how did she react?
Peter: Yes, from time to time, I’ve given her advice. The reaction wasn’t always positive because, with the age gap, she tends to think that the "old school of skiing" is entirely different from today’s approach. However, I believe that’s not entirely true. While many things have changed, certain fundamental principles still hold value today.

How much influence did having a champion father have on your decision to become a professional skier?
Teresa: Growing up with a champion like my dad was a privilege and definitely influenced my passion, which eventually became my profession. However, he allowed me to try different sports when I was younger—like ballet and figure skating—which kept me from feeling pressured in any way. In the end, my desire to emulate my dad's achievements prevailed, and skiing won out over the other sports I tried.

Do you see it as an advantage to have a father who is a former national team skier? If so, in what moments of your career?
Teresa: Absolutely, I see it as both an advantage and a privilege. Having a knowledgeable father with so much experience is a significant asset, both in the good moments and the more challenging ones. For example, if I want to do extra training beyond the scheduled sessions, I always have someone to guide me—someone who is both a dad and an expert. He knows exactly how to motivate me at the right time, especially when the season isn’t going well. But even in the good moments, I enjoy having him nearby, knowing that he, too, has experienced so much joy in his career.

Three words to describe Teresa?
Peter: Joyful, passionate, and fearless when it comes to speed.

Three words to describe your dad?
Teresa: Stubborn, very determined, and kind-hearted.

What is the most important lesson your father has taught you?
Teresa: To work hard and stay humble. To believe in dreams—even if few come true—and to keep striving for improvement.

And the most important lesson your daughter has taught you?
Peter: Everyone can teach something to someone else, so even a daughter can teach her father. One thing Teresa has taught me is that you can live and practice sports with a carefree attitude and without worrying too much.

A strength and a weakness in your skiing?
Teresa: A strength is my lack of fear, even at high speeds. A weakness is my struggle on flat sections, where I’m not as smooth or fast.

What are the topics where you agree the most and those where you have less alignment?
Peter and Teresa: We agree on areas of technical improvement. However, because we come from different learning systems—"old school" versus modern training methods—we don’t always see eye to eye on physical preparation.

How would you define your relationship with the Gardenissima?
Peter: The Gardenissima has always been a wonderful event for me. I’ve already stood at the starting gate more than 20 times. If it’s about to celebrate its 27th edition, it means people love it, and it’s very well-organized in every detail. Physically, it’s a demanding race, so each year, I must assess whether I’m fit enough to participate.
Teresa: Having participated in only one edition—and not even finishing it—I can’t say much yet. However, I immediately realized that the atmosphere is different. While the pressure feels lower, you still need to stay focused. A nearly three-and-a-half-minute downhill race leaves no room for significant mistakes or distractions. It’s definitely an extraordinary challenge in the world of skiing.