On This Date in Sports February 19, 1984: Twins on the Slopes

In collaboration with the Sportsecyclopedia.com

Identical twins Phil and Steve Mahre finish first and second in the slalom at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. It is the second Olympic medal for Phil Mahre, who won a silver medal in the 1980 games in Lake Placid. Phil Mahre takes the Gold Medal, in a time of 1:39.41, Steve finishes just behind at 1:39.62. Didier Bouvet of France gets the Bronze Medal at 1:40.20. 

Phil and Steve Mahre were born on May 10, 1957, in Yakima, Washington. The Mahre twins grew up on skis as their dad worked at the White Pass ski area as a mountain manager. By the age of 12, they were getting offers from ski companies. Phil and Steve Mahre made their Olympic debut in 1976. Phil finished fifth, while Steve finished 13th in the Giant Slalom in Innsbruck. The Mahre Twins returned to the Olympics in 1980 in Lake Placid. Phil Mahre landed his first medal taking a silver medal in the Slalom. Steve, meanwhile, struggled and did not finish his run. 

The Alpine events were successful for the United States as they won five medals, three Gold Medals, and two Silver Medals. Bill Johnson took the Gold Medal in the Downhill. Debbie Armstrong took the Gold Medal, and Christin Cooper took the Silver Medal in the Giant Slalom. 

Steve Mahre finished 17th, and Phil Mahre finished eighth in the Giant Slalom and looked to close their Olympic careers in style on the final day of competition at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Steve Mahre, who had yet to earn an Olympic medal and the best run of his career, in a time of  1:39.62 to grab a Silver Medal. Phil Mahre bettered him in a time of 1:39.41 to earn the Gold Medal. Unknown to both skiers, Phil's wife had given to his second child shortly before the race. He learned about his son's birth during the post-race interview.