TOMBAMANIA! SKIING'S ALBERTO TOMBA

AMID ADORING FANS, SUPERSTAR ALBERTO TOMBA EXPLODES TO A COMMANDING LEAD IN THE WORLD CUP SKIING CHAMPIONSHIP

Arturo Coruzzo leads two lives. In his workaday world, the 33-year-old Verona bank clerk tries to be the picture of decorum. There was a weekend this month, however, when he went just a bit crazy. Two Saturdays ago, he stood halfway up a Swiss ski slope yelling himself hoarse with cries of ``Forza, Alberto!'' As the object of his cheers cannonaded down the run, Corruzo dashed to the finish line and jumped the fence. Too late. His hero, rushed by a mob of other brandy-fueled fanatics, ran for protection. Was a blurred whoosh-past by Alberto Tomba worth the $500 trip? Assolutamente!...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!