On February 11, 1993, Urs Lehmann became downhill world champion in Morioka. On the Japanese snow, the Argovian creates the surprise and wins the only victory of his career. Thirty years later, the current president of Swiss-Ski looks back on this race which changed his life.
“It remains something extraordinary. It’s like flashes, even 30 years later. I remember when I crossed the finish line, I saw the number one displayed and Daniel Vaquin, my technician, came up to me and we hugged“, says Urs Lehmann.
The Morioka Worlds are marked by difficult weather conditions and several postponements of the downhill. The men’s super-G will even be canceled. In this context, Lehmann benefits from his excellent state of form. “When I left home, I told my parents: ‘I’m ready for a medal’. As the days passed, I felt that I was getting stronger and stronger mentally“.
We’ve set out a three-year plan to get a medal in Morioka
![RTSsport caught up with Urs Lehmann in January at the Wengen races. [Sébastien Schorderet - RTS]]()
![RTSsport caught up with Urs Lehmann in January at the Wengen races. [Sébastien Schorderet - RTS]](https://i0.wp.com/www.rts.ch/2023/02/10/10/21/13772982.image?w=320&h=320&ssl=1)
The descender knows that the Shizukuishi run is made for his sliding qualities. Of the four workouts, he wins two. The confidence is there and his Salomon skis are performing. The result of meticulous preparation begun three years earlier.
“When I signed the contract with the French brand, we established a three-year plan to win a medal in Morioka. After each season, we went to Japan with Daniel to do some tests. I even imposed myself during the Japanese championships (smile). Everything worked perfectly thanks to Dany Vaquin, he is the star“.
![Daniel Vaquin at the Morioka Worlds in 1993. [1993]](https://i2.wp.com/www.rts.ch/2023/02/10/10/04/13773090.image?w=960&h=540&ssl=1)
After his world title, Urs Lehmann misses the whole of the following season due to injury. He will end his career in 1997 with the coronation of Morioka as the only line on his record. In the World Cup, his best result is a 4th place in Val Gardena.
“Better once than nevernotes the 53-year-old man. For me, it has always been important to keep my feet on the ground and to think about the future by studying in Zurich and St. Gallen. But I don’t think I would be president of the Swiss Ski Federation without this sporting career.“.
Sebastien Schorderet
Descent, Morioka 1993
1. Urs Lehmann/SUI
2. Atle Skaardal/NOR
3. AJ Kitt/USA
4. Luc Alphand/FRA
5. Tommy Moe/USA
….
10. Franz Heinzer/SUI
16. Bruno Kernen/SUI
19. Daniel Mahrer/SUI
22. Paulo Oppliger/SUI
23. William Besse/SUI
The Worlds program
SUN 12.02: men’s descent in Courchevel (11.00 am).
TU 14.02: Team-Event in Méribel (12.15 p.m.).
ME 15.02: Men’s and women’s parallels in Méribel (12:00 p.m.).
TH 16.02: giant ladies in Méribel (10 am/1.30 pm).
FRI 17.02: giant gentlemen in Courchevel (10 a.m. / 1.30 p.m.).
SA 18.02: ladies’ slalom in Méribel (10 a.m./1.30 p.m.).
SUN 19.02: men’s slalom in Courchevel (10 a.m./1.30 p.m.).
The selection of Swiss-Ski
Dames (10): Aline Danioth, Andrea Ellenberger, Jasmine Flury, Michelle Gisin, Lara Gut-Behrami, Joana Hählen, Wendy Holdener, Priska Nufer, Camille Rast, Corinne Suter.