2024-01-09 17:30:00
61 World Cup races, 46 podium places and 27 victories – Marco Odermatt dominates the world of alpine skiing, as one would only expect from Marcel Hirscher. A slip-up on the part of the 26-year-old is now an exception, his diverse strengths in giant slalom, super-G and downhill are unprecedented.
But while other big names like Henrik Kristoffersen or Mikaela Shiffrin rely on private trainers and their own program away from the national team, for Odermatt the key to success lies in the cohesion of the Swiss Ski team.
“It is very important for me to have teammates around me,” he explained in an interview with Eurosport expert Francesca Marsaglia. “I don’t want to have a coach all to myself, for the simple reason that I feel a little more pressure in such situations.”
For the 2022 giant slalom Olympic champion, communication with teammates and other coaches is a priority. “So I can learn and take from everyone what is good for me and what is best for me.”
Odermatt: No pressure and very modest
The success proves Odermatt right. In Adelboden at home, the superstar celebrated his seventh giant slalom victory in a row, and he also recently surfed the wave of success in Super-G and downhill.
However, he does not feel any additional pressure due to his dominance; in fact, he is extremely humble in view of his successes.
“Being a favorite means being in good shape and having working material,” said Odermatt.
“Things have been going well for me for two or three years. I don’t know why. I’m fast in training, but never as fast as in the race.” Ultimately, it depends on the right attitude – both in terms of material and in the mental area.
Show of power following a mistake: Odermatt pulverizes the best time
Wengen and Kitzbühel as big goals
Olympic gold, World Cup titles, big crystal balls – what else is there to win?
“To have achieved all these things at my age is of course very nice,” he said, looking at his previous palmarès. If Odermatt has his way, there are still many career peaks to climb.
So the all-rounder looks at the most iconic victories that can be achieved in alpine skiing: the descents of Wengen and Kitzbühel.
“I still have big goals. Wengen and Kitzbühel, for example – the most beautiful races in our sport,” enthused Odermatt. “Those two are very high on my list.”
Marco Odermatt
Fotocredit: Getty Images
Full focus on downhill
So far, Odermatt has been unable to reach the top of the podium in the downhill. Given his new focus, it can be assumed that the longed-for victory might happen this winter.
“I really like downhill because it’s something special,” said Odermatt. “It is the most important discipline in our sport. That’s why I set myself the highest goals here.”
According to the Swiss, a perfect run on the most dangerous slopes of the World Cup is incomparable: “There is nothing better.”
On Thursday Odermatt has the first chance to reward yourself with this special feeling. Then he will compete in the first downhill run from Wengen, and on the following two days there will be a Super-G and another downhill run (live and on-demand from 12:30 p.m. on each day). discovery+).
Incredible Odermatt: Superstar in Adelboden in his own league
1704822800
#Wengen #Marco #Odermatt #sets #sights #downhill #victory #Lauberhorn #Swiss #explains #key #success