The stars turn out for Maier's birthday
Friday December 11, 2009 - Email this article to a friend

Hermann Maier had a street party in his home town of Flachau in Austria. 3,000 people were there including superstars from the sports world. The Herminator told them he wasn't running for President and had no intention of becoming a priest.

These are just 2 of the rumours doing the rounds after Maier announced his retirement from ski racing last October.

He is, of course, one of Austria's most famous sportsmen.

There has been much speculation about what he might do and he confirmed to the crowds that he might get involved with FIS with the aim of preventing accidents and injuries as ski racers go faster and faster.

A special party was held for his 37^th birthday and it was broadcast on Austrian TV. We previewed the party here on PlanetSKI

Why the nuns?The program depicted the career of Hermann Maier in five phases.

It featured stories intermittent with videos and video greetings from stars such as Roger Federer, motorbike legend Mick Doohan and Austrian Federal President Heinz Fischer.

The famous among the guests included Niki Lauda, Karl Schranz, Annemarie Moser-Pröll, Kristian Ghedina, Ralf Schumacher, Gregor Schlierenzauer, Reinfried Herbst and Werner Margreiter, among others.

The main square in town was named after Maier on Monday, his 37th birthday. The living ski legend was emotional and thanked the fans in his way: offering a free round at the bar for everyone present.

Cheers!

maier_race_1_400