Marc Mayer

Marc Mayer was an Austrian cross-country skier participating at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. His father, Walter, was the long-time coach of the Austrian National team. Walter was likely responsible for the large-scale blood doping practiced by the Austrians.

At Salt Lake City, Marc was retrospectively disqualified for this, all his results were annulled, and he, like Walter himself, was banned for life. However, Walter’s ban was later overturned, and the Austrian federation stood by him. In 2006, he was likely the instigator of the major doping scandal against Austria. While attempting to break through a police roadblock, he caused an accident and was charged. He was subsequently dismissed by Austria. In 2011, he was finally sentenced to 15 months in prison. He appealed and was ultimately acquitted in 2012.

The personal problems surrounding him and his father also had health consequences for Marc: he suffered from burnout and was unable to replicate his earlier performances in 2004. Although he was selected for the 2005 World Championships in Oberstdorf, he did not compete. He subsequently retired from competitive sports. During his career he won three Austrian National titles.