Austria’s Female Skiers: Navigating a Challenging Start to the Season
With the home World Cup in Saalbach (February 4th to 16th) looming, the Austrian ski team’s female contingent is facing a critical juncture. While Mina Liensberger consistently delivers valiant performances, the team lacks the overall depth and aggressive spirit to challenge their international competitors.
Concerns Echo After Yellowstone Slalom
Austrian head coach Roland Assinger didn’t mince words following the Killington slalom, expressing his clear disappointment with his slalom performance. Despite promising starting positions, the Austrian skiers slipped back in the deciding run, failing to capitalize on their early performances.
“If you’re fifth, seventh, and tenth after the first run, then that is ideal for attacking. But unfortunately that didn’t happen,” said Assinger. “It really annoys me that you’re not fully on the podium or fully on the attack. I really missed that from the women.”
The hprofound frustration was palpable as the coach sought answers.
“There has to be more, especially among established female runners, without question.”
Lack of Attack, Lack of Progress
の結果 be
Following the race, ORF expert Nicole Hosp mirrored Assinger’s sentiment, emphasizing the need for a bolder approach.
“You can’t win anything on this slope without attacking. The first run was a call sign, but you can’t do this without courage. Unfortunately, they were unable to repeat the performance in the second run. But if you can show it once, you can show it a second time.”
ECHO ESographical approach.
“The young drivers would have to risk everything and drive unconditionally and sometimes risk failure. This is the only way you can grow.”
If the call wasn’t clear enough already from Assinger, it was reinforced by=
Pushing for Innovation
Assinger acknowledges that Austria needs to adapt and learn from other programs. The rallying cry for renewed energy resonates.
“Of course you look a little outside the box at what other nations are doing. Just like at Colturi’s example, it’s a very small, familiar team,” said Assinger. “She has a completely different attitude towards [the sport of] We are in Austria, we have a different mentality. We just have to use our resources to get the best out of them. We are Austrians, but there are certainly ways to make ourselves quick – and we will do that.”
A Search for Fresh Faces
ера sont
The average age of Austrian skiers in giant slalom is 27.6 years old while the average age for slalom stands at 26.4. The cupboard is starting to look bare. Younger talent appears to be the priority as evidenced by the promising performances of Lienberger and Scheib, suggesting a gap waiting to be filled.
The search for new talent is underway, with 18-year-old Italian skier Lara Colturi, competing for Albania, leading the charge.
1733124499
#Angry #coach #puts #pressure #ladies
What specific tactical adjustments could help the Austrian women’s team improve their performance, particularly in the second run of slalom races?
## Interview: Austrian Ski Team’s Rocky Start
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the challenges facing Austria’s female skiers as they navigate a difficult start to the season. Joining us is ski expert and former Olympian, Franziska Pfnür. Franziska, welcome to the show.
**Franziska:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So Franziska, the Austrian women’s team seems to be struggling, especially in the slalom. Head coach Roland Assinger expressed his disappointment after the Killington race. What are your thoughts on their performance this season?
**Franziska:** It’s definitely a tough situation for the Austrian women. Assinger is right, they’ve shown glimpses of potential, especially with Mina Liensberger consistently delivering good performances. But the overall lack of depth and aggression is worrying. They are dropping back in the second run, which shows a lack of confidence and tactical decisiveness.
**Host:** Assinger specifically mentioned the need for “more, especially among established female runners.” Is he putting pressure on specific individuals on the team?
**Franziska:** I think he’s highlighting a general issue within the team. There’s a need for those experienced skiers to step up and lead by example. Just reaching the top ten isn’t enough anymore; they need to fight for podium places and show that fiery Austrian spirit on the slopes.
**Host:** With the home World Cup in Saalbach approaching in February, is there still time for them to turn things around?
**Franziska:** Absolutely. Saalbach is a special event for the Austrian team, and it could be a catalyst for improvement. They need to use the pressure as motivation and come together as a team. Focusing on tactical adjustments and rebuilding confidence will be essential.
**Host:** And what about Mina Liensberger? She appears to be a bright spot for the team.
**Franziska:** She’s definitely one to watch. Liensberger is a talented and determined skier. If she can maintain her consistency and perhaps lift the spirits of her teammates, she could be a key driver in turning things around for the Austrian women.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Franziska. It will be interesting to see how the Austrian women perform in the upcoming races.
