After the scandal on the sidelines of the World Cup races in Kitzbühel in mid-January, ÖSV star Matthias Mayer completely disappeared from the scene for a long time. The three-time Olympic champion was apparently very drunk when he received Lower Austria’s governor, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, out of character and ultimately had to be taken to a clinic. Thanks to professional help, the 34-year-old is now likely to have gotten his psychological problems under control.
Already in the summer, Mayer and his father Helmut coached the youngsters of his hometown club SC Gerlitzen, and last week he was said to have accompanied a training course for the ÖSV speed team as an “intern”. “I last had contact with Mothl in the summer and know that he is very involved in the youth sector back home in Carinthia. He made a very good impression on me,” says ex-ÖSV sports director Hans Pum, who always has a very good rapport with him Exceptional athlete from Afritz am See had. It is gratifying that Mayer is currently completing training as a trainer. Pum: “He can give very good input, whether with the youngsters or in the World Cup.”
The Olympic champion could also make a comeback as an ambassador for the 2026 World Ski Championships in Saalbach. When the World Cup organizers visited the Vatican in mid-October, the Carinthian was already a member of the Austrian delegation and received the blessing of the Pope, who said goodbye to his guests from the World Cup venue with these words: “I pray for you, pray for me.”
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**Interview with Hans Pum: Reflections on Matthias Mayer’s Comeback Journey**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Hans. Recently, Matthias Mayer has been in the public eye again after his struggles last January. Can you tell us a little about what happened during that time?
**Hans Pum:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it was quite a difficult period for Matthias. He had a very public incident at the World Cup races in Kitzbühel, which many fans were shocked to see. It turned out that he was struggling with some personal issues, and he was under the influence during what was supposed to be a celebratory moment. It prompted a necessary intervention, and he ended up getting the professional help he needed.
**Interviewer:** It’s encouraging to hear that he’s receiving support. What has he been doing since that incident?
**Hans Pum:** Since then, Matthias has really focused on giving back to the community. Over the summer, he and his father helped coach young athletes at their hometown club, SC Gerlitzen. They’ve been very involved in nurturing the next generation, which is fantastic to see. Just last week, he was also assisting the ÖSV speed team as an intern.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a positive path forward. How do you think this experience has impacted him as an athlete and a person?
**Hans Pum:** It’s been transformative, I believe. He’s not just an exceptional athlete but also a role model. By engaging with youth athletes, he’s sharing his knowledge and experience, which I think is incredibly valuable. It shows growth and resilience after facing such a challenge. I had a conversation with him during the summer, and he made a very good impression on me. He seems genuinely dedicated to this new chapter in his career.
**Interviewer:** There’s talk of him potentially returning as an ambassador for the upcoming 2026 World Ski Championships. What are your thoughts on that?
**Hans Pum:** It would be great to see him take on that role! His journey has made him relatable to many, and if he embodies that ambassadorial spirit, he could inspire others who might be facing their own challenges. It’s also wonderful that he received the Pope’s blessing during the Vatican visit. It speaks volumes about the respect he still commands in the ski community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Hans. It’s heartening to see Matthias Mayer on the road to recovery and contributing positively to the sport.
**Hans Pum:** Thank you! I believe this is just the beginning for him, and I look forward to seeing how he continues to develop both personally and professionally.
