As the ski association and Gritsch announced on Monday, the athlete and her partner Florian Stengg will be traveling as a private team until further notice. There seemed to be no alternative to this step because Stengg as an assistant coach in the women’s World Cup team is not acceptable for the ÖSV as long as the relationship exists. But Gritsch only wants to work with him.
“Due to the private situation between my trusted coach at the ÖSV, Florian Stengg, and I, our collaboration within the ÖSV team could not be continued, which is of great concern to me personally and which is why we have decided together to continue pursuing this passion project “Gritsch wrote on Facebook. “Always following your heart sometimes means taking new paths, often leaving your comfort zone and always taking courageous steps to follow your gut feeling and stay true.” She “thought carefully” about this decision, although she was aware of the additional challenges.
Wouldn’t be a fair thing
The relationship between the two has developed into something solid this year, explained ÖSV Alpine boss Herbert Mandl in Alta Badia. “We would have offered him to continue doing other activities, just not in the team. But after they decided to go this route privately, he has to resign as coach,” he said. Stengg “can’t pretend that he doesn’t prefer her in some way,” the Lower Austrian explained. According to Mandl, this would “not be a fair thing” for the teammates and would inevitably lead to irritation.
ÖSV General Secretary Scherer said that “in the best of terms” they agreed to terminate Stengg’s employment relationship at the end of the month. A possible change of nation for Gritsch was never discussed, he assured. “She will continue to be an ÖSV squad athlete, she will continue to be nominated by the ÖSV. She will continue to comply with all guidelines, i.e. clothing regulations.” The 26-year-old will remain with her service man, who is provided by the Head company. “In four or five months we will draw a conclusion as to what will happen next. For us, the best thing is if it is successful.”
Gritsch is not allowed to take part in any ÖSV training sessions
However, there are massive consequences for Gritsch: she cannot take part in any ÖSV training sessions, and she and her boyfriend are not allowed to live in the same accommodation as the ÖSV team during the World Cup. Scherer: “Where she is entitled to free accommodation or we had budgeted for catering costs anyway, we will cover the costs.”
Stengg will no longer be accredited for racing by the ski association. In addition to his salary, the Tyrolean also loses the vehicle fleet and the equipment purchased through the association. Some time ago, the ÖSV officials ordered Meinhard Tatschl, Anna Veith’s former trusted coach, back to the World Cup coaching team as a replacement for the 34-year-old.
Gritsch’s persistence is already known in the ÖSV. Three years ago, the all-rounder caused a stir by refusing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. As a result, the Ötztal native missed out on competing in the World Cup races in Killington and also lost a real chance of being nominated for the Olympic Games in Beijing early on. This season she fought her way back through the European Cup and secured fixed starting positions in several disciplines.
Almost 20 years ago there was a similar case with the ÖSV women. At that time, Michaela Kirchgasser and the then slalom head coach found each other. However, Kirchgasser’s teammates soon protested against the relationship, which is why the ÖSV coach was transferred to the youth team.
