Michel Rey

Michel Rey began his life as a farmer and mountain guide before taking up cross-country skiing as a sport. In 1951 Rey made his first appearance at a national competition, finishing second in the 8 kilometre event at the Swiss Junior Championships. One year later he won gold at the junior championships in the relay race and another bronze in the 8 kilometres. His début at the senior championships came in 1953 with him winning bronze in the 18 kilometres. Rey then won silver in the 15 kilometres in 1954 and 1956 to earn himself a place on the Swiss Olympic team. At the 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo Games he came 36th in the 15 kilometres.

After the disappointment of the Olympics, Rey then had the best results of his career when he won five national titles. His first victory came in 1958 when he became the Swiss champion in the 15 kilometres. From there he moved up to the 50 kilometres event where he won four consecutive titles from 1959 to 1962. His win in 1960 was not without controversy, however, as he made an illegal change of skis during the race. As a result he received a ban that prevented him from competing at the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics. In 1963 he won silver and bronze in the 15 and 30 kilometres, respectively. Rey won his last medal at the Swiss championships in 1965 with silver in the 50 kilometres.