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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Pat Graham

Robert Redford's character in 1969 film 'Downhill Racer' still resonates with American ski racers

Sundance Film Festival Preview - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Long before the free-spirited Bode Miller, there was David Chappellet, a driven, do-things-my-way downhill racer representing the U.S. ski team.

Sure, Chappellet's story was make-believe and straight out out Hollywood, a brash prospect played by the late actor Robert Redford coming out of nowhere (Idaho Springs, Colorado) to fill in for an injured teammate and becoming an Olympic champion. But decades later, the character from the 1969 film “Downhill Racer" still resonates.

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