Cranz, Christl (1914–2004)

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Cranz, Christl (1914–2004)

German Alpine skier. Name variations: Christl Cranz Borchers or Cranz-Borchers. Born July 1, 1914, in Germany; died Sept 28, 2004, near Oberstauffen, Germany; sister of Heinz Rudolf Cranz (skier).

Germany's most-decorated skier, won a gold medal in the combined event at Garmisch-Partenkirchen Olympics (1936), after falling during the downhill and roaring back from 6th place; won more titles (12) than anyone before her—male or female—in the World championships (1934–39): in the downhill (1935, 1937, 1939), the slalom (1934, 1937–39), and the combined (1934–35, 1937–39); opened a children's ski school in Germany (1947).