World Cup Overall Champion (1981-83)
Phil's career reached its zenith over the next three seasons. He won the most prestigious title in alpine skiing, the overall World Cup title, three consecutive years from 1981-83. He narrowly edged Ingemar Stenmark, who had previously won three consecutive overall titles from 1976-78, by only 6 points to capture his first title in 1981. Mahre won primarily due to his results in the downhill and combined events, as Stenmark was uncomfortable in the downhill event. Mahre's finest year was 1982 when he took the event titles in the giant slalom, slalom, and combined, as well as winning the overall title. Mahre had eight wins and 20 podium finishes, and his 309 points were well ahead of Stenmark's 211. Twin brother Steve finished third overall at 183 points, and also won the World Championship in the giant slalom at Schladming, Austria. In 1983, Phil would once again beat Stenmark by a large margin for the overall title, along with taking a second straight giant slalom title.
Only three other Americans have won the World Cup overall title: Tamara McKinney (1983), Bode Miller (2005 & 2008), and Lindsey Vonn (2008 & 2009).
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