Josef "Josl" Rieder (3 December 1932 – 15 June 2019) was an Austrian alpine skier who became one of Austria's better-known competitors in the 1950s and early 1960s. Born in the Tyrolean village of Lermoos, Rieder combined technical skill and public presence: he represented his country at international championships and was later given the honour of lighting the Olympic flame at Innsbruck in 1964.

Competitive career

Rieder took part in top-level ski racing during an era when alpine skiing was expanding its international profile. He was selected for the Austrian team at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where his runs in the downhill and the slalom ended in disqualification. Despite that setback, he remained an active and successful racer on the international circuit for several years afterward.

Major achievements

At the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1958 Rieder won three medals, one gold and two silvers, marking the high point of his competitive record and contributing to Austria's reputation in technical events. His results at those championships demonstrated consistency across multiple disciplines and helped to establish him as a respected figure in postwar alpine sport.

Public role and legacy

Beyond his race results, Rieder became a public representative for winter sport. The most visible symbol of that role was his participation in the opening ceremony of the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, where he lit the Olympic cauldron — an act that linked his personal story to Austria's hosting of the Games. Over time he was remembered both for his medals and for this ceremonial contribution to Olympic history.

Later life and recognition

Rieder remained connected to skiing and his native Tyrol after retiring from competition. His death in June 2019 at the age of 86 prompted reflections in Austrian media on a career that bridged competitive achievement and national visibility. For those researching his results, contemporary sport databases and historical Olympic records provide race-by-race details and context for mid‑20th century alpine racing.

Further information