LEO LACROIX
THE STORY OF A FRENCH SKI ICON
1958
Facing seasoned skiers, including some members of the French team who had just returned from the world championships, Léo Lacroix started in 144th position, among the last, and achieved an impressive 4th place.
1960
While still in the army, Léo Lacroix won the French slalom championship in La Clusaz, a victory that opened the doors to the French national team. "It was the beginning of my career," he confided.
1964
Equipped with skis designed by his cousin Daniel Lacroix, Léo Lacroix won the silver medal in downhill at the Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria, achieving an exceptional performance.
Following this feat, Léo Lacroix was invited to the Élysée Palace by General de Gaulle on June 25, 1964, and received the Order of Merit medal alongside the Goitschel sisters, François Bonlieu, and Alain Calmat, as the first French Olympic medalists.
1966
Thanks to the high-tech skis made in his cousin's family workshop, Léo Lacroix shined in Portillo, Chile, at the Ski World Cup, winning two silver medals in the downhill and combined events. This performance is a testament to the remarkable effectiveness of this equipment, designed with care and passion.
102,240
On March 8, 1966, in Courchevel, in front of 10,000 spectators, Léo Lacroix, then in full preparation for the world championships, beat the Austrians by recording an average speed of 102.240 km/h. He thus set a record, becoming the fastest skier ever timed in an official event, and this, on his own skis.
1967
In his hometown of Bois d'Amont, Léo Lacroix founded Lacroix as a racing ski manufacturer. Driven by tireless passion and unwavering commitment, he launched the inaugural production of 127 pairs of skis. This bold move marked the beginning of a company dedicated to excellence and innovation, forging the legacy of an iconic brand in the world of winter sports.
1968
At the opening ceremony of the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, Léo Lacroix recited the Olympic Oath on behalf of the athletes, affirming their commitment to respect the rules and spirit of sport. This event also marked the end of his athletic career, while he simultaneously embarked on an entrepreneurial career.
1984
On April 10, 1984, François Mitterrand awarded Léo Lacroix the Legion of Honor in recognition of his exceptional sporting achievements and remarkable career in industry. This distinction recognizes not only his successes on the slopes, but also his ability to combine performance and innovation, particularly through the manufacture of high-quality skis in the family workshop.
2012
On April 8, 2012, Léo Lacroix will be honored again, this time with the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honor. Now retired, the former entrepreneur and technical director of the Les Menuires resort continues to remain active and close to the brand, demonstrating his commitment and lasting influence in the ski industry.
MÉDAILLES
1964 INNSBRUCK DOWNHILL JO-
1966 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS PORTILLO DOWNHILL
-
1966 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS COMBINED PORTILLO
-
1964 INNSBRUCK DOWNHILL JO
-
1966 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS PORTILLO DOWNHILL
-
1966 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS COMBINED PORTILLO
-
1964 INNSBRUCK DOWNHILL JO
-
1966 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS PORTILLO DOWNHILL
-
1966 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS COMBINED PORTILLO
-
1964 INNSBRUCK DOWNHILL JO
-
1966 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS PORTILLO DOWNHILL
-
1966 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS COMBINED PORTILLO
