Raphael Mahlknecht

Raphael Mahlknecht, Telemark athlete from Alpe di Siusi, South Tyrol. He was born on 5 September 2001 in Bolzano, he started skiing in his local ski club before joining the Italian national Telemark team in the 2017-2018 season. The passion for sport has always been part of his life since childhood. In fact, his mother grew up right on the ski slopes, while his father was a world champion in natural tobogganing. His sporting passions include skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, cycling and working out in the gym. Outside of sport, he dabbles in his own ‘Seiser Alm’ Gin business, photography, swimming, golf and of course good food. 
His first podium was in Norway in 2023 in Al, where he made history as the first Italian athlete to stand on the podium of the Telemark World Cup. His first home race was held in the Dolomites in Carezza. It was a special moment for his, competing on his home slopes. He hopes that this experience will pave the way for future events in Carezza.