Rudolf SCHMID

Rudolf Schmid was the younger brother of Manfred and also became a top luger. They competed together in two Olympics, but did not slide together in doubles. After winning medals at the European Junior Championships in singles as well as in doubles, Rudolf Schmid won his first international medal on the senior level at the 1970 European Championships with silver in doubles together with his longtime partner Franz Schachner. They also won bronze at the 1974 and 1975 World Championships before winning the Olympic bronze medal in 1976 on home soil in Innsbruck. In the singles Schmid also won two bronze medals at the 1973 and 1974 World Championships.

Schmid was a qualified electrician, but worked in insurance after his career. He retired in 2007 and began growing grapes for wine. In 1996 he was awarded a Decoration of Merit in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria.