SRF celebrates Russi's 75th birthday.
His successful career as a skier made him one of Switzerland’s most famous figures: Bernhard Russi. On August 20, 2023, he will celebrate his 75th birthday. In a personal interview with Urs Gredig, Russi looks back on his career. To mark his birthday, SRF will also air two documentaries about his life.
You think you know him: accompanied by success, attractive and articulate. But this description only scratches the surface of Bernhard Russi's multi-layered personality. To mark his 75th birthday on August 20, 2023, SRF 1 is celebrating this evening with a series of programs: "Gredig direkt," as well as two documentaries entitled "Bernhard Russi - Von hohen Gipfeln und dunklen Tälern" and "Klammer gegen Russi - Das Rennen ihres Lebens.
In the program "Gredig direkt - Happy Birthday, Bernhard Russi" it becomes clear how Russi has built a second, timeless career through discipline, modesty and wise counsel. The epithet "Bernhard National" was born and even after many decades the star from Uri still shines with the same intensity. On the occasion of his 75th birthday, the public favorite talks about his life in the fast lane in an interview with Urs Gredig. In the process, the grandfather does not leave out dark moments. Bernhard Russi shares how he maintains his mental fitness and whether he still occasionally pushes the limits. The broadcast will take place on Sunday, August 20, 2023, 9.05 p.m., on SRF 1.
The documentary "Bernhard Russi - Von hohen Gipfeln und dunklen Tälern" (Bernhard Russi - Of High Peaks and Dark Valleys) by Michael Bühler sheds light on how success is as much a part of the former ski racer's life as the challenges of fate. For the first time, Bernhard Russi talks about his life, his greatest triumphs and the most difficult moments. The film shows how he picked himself up again. SRF 1 presents this "DOK" film from 2017 in full length for his birthday.
In "Klammer vs. Russi - The Race of Their Lives," the lifelong friendship between Bernhard Russi and Franz Klammer comes to light. In the 1976 Olympic downhill in Innsbruck, these ski legends fought a duel that went down in the annals of skiing. Described as the supposedly best ski race of all time, Russi set an almost unbeatable best time, which made the pressure on Klammer unbearable. In "SRF DOK," the two talk about this unforgettable race. This broadcast will take place Sunday, August 20, 2023, 10:00 p.m., on SRF 1.
Q&A with Bernhard Russi
Bernhard Russi, what connects you with SRF?
Actually, half my life. 15 years as an active athlete, 38 years as an expert and 31 of those as a commentator alongside Matthias Hüppi. One of my earliest memories was the TV interview in 1973 after the victory in St. Anton, Austria. The legendary sports commentator and journalist Karl Erb interviewed me in three languages - the conversation was broadcast on Eurovision. But at that time I could hardly speak three words in English! Anyway, afterwards the whole of Switzerland thought I could speak three languages fluently. (laughs)
And a memory as a ski commentator with Matthias Hüppi?
Certainly our last broadcast together on February 19, 2017. We commented on the World Cup slalom in St. Moritz GR. For both of us it was the last sports broadcast at SRF, it was a particularly nice moment. Of course, Matthias, as a full professional, didn't let on. Today, we are still linked by a beautiful friendship. Thank goodness it's not a close one, otherwise I'd have to go to all the FC St. Gallen games, and Matthias is hard to bear! (laughs)
How important was television for skiing in Switzerland?
Very important and still today. Today, however, every race can also be watched conveniently on a delayed basis, which is something I always enjoy doing myself. Back then - when TV programs tended to focus on the evening - a ski race at noon was an unparalleled highlight.
What was it like to commentate on ski races for SRF?
It was "learning by doing". Explaining a race is not easy, especially with the demand that the entire audience should be able to follow. There is no recipe for how best to do it. And you must not take yourself too seriously: If Odermatt races with a super time, then the commentary is a minor matter.
SRF will broadcast a conversation with you and two documentaries on your birthday.
I am particularly looking forward to the broadcast of the documentary film "From high peaks and dark valleys". It wasn't always easy for me while filming, because everyone has their backpack to carry. But the film was very well received. Will I watch the birthday program? Actually, I don't like to see myself on the screen and I don't like my own voice very much either. I'll probably watch it on a delayed basis. (laughs)
