Maier wins first gold at world championships since motorcycle accident

BORMIO, Italy — Hermann Maier let out a scream in the finish area at the world championships, a major title finally his again.

His victory in the giant slalom Thursday was yet another inspirational step in his recovery from a motorcycle accident in which he nearly lost a leg. This was the Austrian’s first gold medal at the worlds since he captured two in 1999 in Vail, Colo.

Two years later, he collided with a car near his hometown. Surgeons inserted screws and a 14-inch titanium rod in his tibia.

“It’s a great feeling for me because so many things have happened since this time six years ago,” Maier said. “All the medals I’ve won are important, but this one has an even more specific meaning, after my crash being able to stand back up so to speak.”

Another Austrian, Benjamin Raich, finished second, and Daron Rahlves of the United States won the bronze in a race postponed Wednesday when Italian TV workers went on strike. Defending champion Bode Miller needed two stitches on his chin after he lost control on the first run and slammed into an advertising banner.

Maier, second after the first leg, covered the two runs on the Stelvio course in 2 minutes, 50.41 seconds. He had won only one other race this season, last month’s super giant slalom in Kitzbuehel, Austria.

Raich had the fastest second run, moving up from seventh after the opening leg. He finished 0.25 seconds behind for his third medal of the worlds. Rahlves, the first-run leader, was 0.68 back.

Rahlves was the final elite skier in the second leg. Maier dropped to his knees to watch the American ski the final few gates. After seeing Rahlves’ time, Maier bellowed and thrust his arms in the air.