Petra Vlhová is one of the most accomplished alpine skiers in the world and the most successful in Slovakia’s history.
Born on June 13, 1995, in Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia, she specializes in the technical disciplines of slalom and giant slalom.
Growing up in a family deeply connected to the ski industry, her parents, Zuzana Vlhová and Igor Vlha, operated buffets on ski slopes during winter seasons, which immersed her in the sport from a very young age.
She began skiing before turning three and quickly showed natural talent on the slopes.
Siblings
Petra has one older brother named Boris Vlha.
Boris introduced her to skiing during their childhood, as the siblings spent countless days on the slopes while their parents worked at the family buffets in resorts like Jasná.
Petra often stayed out longer than others, showing her early passion and determination.
Boris has remained closely involved in her career for many years, serving on her support team in roles such as logistics and assistance until around 2022.
He has been photographed with her at events, including riding lifts together during races, and has spoken publicly about family dynamics in interviews.
Career
Vlhová’s competitive journey began early, as she joined a local ski club in Podbreziny near Liptovský Mikuláš at nearly five years old.
Her breakthrough came in 2012 at age 16, when she won gold in slalom at the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck.
Also Read: Morissette Siblings: Getting to Know Jeremy Mattheu Amon
That same year, she earned bronze at the World Junior Alpine Skiing Championships and made her senior FIS Alpine Ski World Cup debut.
She steadily climbed the ranks, securing her first World Cup podiums and victories in the technical events.
A major milestone arrived in 2017 with her first World Cup win in slalom.
In 2019, she made history for Slovakia by winning the giant slalom at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Åre, Sweden, along with silver in the alpine combined and bronze in slalom—the first individual World Championship medals for her country.
She continued to dominate, claiming the overall World Cup title in the 2020–21 season, becoming the first Slovak to achieve this feat.
Her career reached its pinnacle at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where she won gold in the slalom event, marking Slovakia’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in alpine skiing.
Throughout her career, she has built a fierce rivalry with top competitors and amassed numerous podium finishes, with a particular strength in slalom.
After a period of injury and recovery, she has expressed intentions to return for future competitions, including aiming toward the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.
Accolades
Vlhová has secured one FIS Alpine Ski World Cup overall title in 2021, along with three discipline titles: two in slalom (2020 and 2022) and one in parallel slalom (2020).
She has earned 31 World Cup race victories and over 70 podium finishes.
At the World Championships, she holds six medals, including one gold in giant slalom (2019), silver in alpine combined (2019), bronze in slalom (2019), and others from team and individual events.
Her Olympic gold in slalom from 2022 stands as her most prestigious individual honor.
Additional recognitions include being named Slovak Sportswoman of the Year multiple times consecutively, receiving the Crystal Wing Award in 2019, and being awarded the Order of Ľudovít Štúr, 1st class, by the President of Slovakia in 2024.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
