The King of Schladming

Schladming is a small town, more like a large Village, situated in the Province of Styria, in Austria.
About 4,500 inhabitants call it "home". It is surrounded by the most beautiful mountains and is a favourite spot for tourists from all over the world, Summer and Winter.
The citizens have recently elected a King.
First they hung three Goldmedals around his neck and then they proclaimed him: "King of Schladming".
What makes this so interesting is, that this new King of S. isn't even an Austrian.
He is, in fact, a Citizen of the United States of America and his name is Ted Ligety.
During the World Championships of Alpine Skiing, Ted garnered three Goldmedals in absolutely sovereign style. This is a feat which has not happened in 45 years, when a Frenchman, named Jean Claud Killey   did it for the last time. Before Jean Claude it was the Austrian from the town of Kitzbühel who won the Gold in Downhill, Slalom and Giant Slalom. at the Olympic Games in Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy, in 1956.
Ted Ligety is the first American to ever win 3 Golds in one competition .
When he was asked if President Obama had called him to congratulate him, he answered with a sly grin:
"No, Obama has not called nor has he sent me an SMS."
Ted Ligety is not only the King of Schladming, but he seems to be a thoroughly nice man with a brilliant smile.

My son, Steven and his family were in Schladming last winter and he probably skied the same slopes as Ted. Maybe not quite as fast, though.

Bertstravels is definitely not a skier...