VIENNA — As the Alpine world championships approach in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, the disparity between Switzerland and Austria’s ski racing teams is striking, highlighted by Switzerland’s impressive record of 11 victories, while Austria’s men’s team is yet to secure a win in 25 World Cup races this season.
Leading the Swiss charge is Marco Odermatt, who has significantly contributed to his team’s success with seven victories this season, bringing his total career World Cup wins to 44. This number equates to the combined podium finishes of the entire Austrian men’s team thus far. As the reigning downhill and giant slalom champion, Odermatt, aged 27, enters the championships at the apex of his career and as a key contender for gold.
However, Switzerland’s strength does not rest solely on Odermatt. The Swiss team has welcomed four first-time World Cup winners this season, including Justin Murisier and Alexis Monney in downhill, Franjo von Allmen in super-G, and Thomas Tumler in giant slalom, illustrating a promising depth in talent.
While the two younger racers, Monney at 25 and von Allmen at 23, represent a new wave of talent, Murisier, at 32, and Tumler, at 35, are more seasoned athletes. Furthermore, Loic Meillard, who was the overall runner-up to Odermatt last season, has yet to claim a victory this campaign but remains a formidable presence with five podium results. Meillard showcased his potential during the World Cup finals held in Saalbach-Hinterglemm last March, where he clinched the giant slalom and secured second place in super-G.
The Swiss skiers emphasize teamwork and camaraderie, which enhance their performance on the slopes. Odermatt expressed this sentiment on social media, highlighting the joy of celebrating successes with his teammates. He credited the exceptional talent within their ranks and the dedication of their coaching staff for fostering a competitive yet supportive environment.
In contrast, the Austrian team is grappling with challenges in finding a standout performer. Marco Schwarz, previously a leading figure, was sidelined by a severe knee injury sustained during a downhill competition in Bormio, impeding his season. His efforts to return to form have yielded a sixth-place finish as his top ranking so far.
Vincent Kriechmayr emerged as the closest Austrian contender for a win this season, finishing as runner-up in two super-G events. Yet, he too faced setbacks after injuring his right knee. The veteran skier, a gold medalist in both disciplines at the 2021 World Championships in Italy, is eager to return to competition.
Other Austrian skiers like Patrick Feurstein and the slalom duo Manuel Feller and Fabio Gstrein, who recently secured podium finishes, aim to bolster team morale. Johannes Strolz, a two-time Olympic champion, asserted the team’s motivation to showcase what they can achieve at the world championships despite having faced underestimation this season.
Historically, Austria maintains a significant lead in the all-time medal count at the World Championships, boasting 56 golds and 165 total medals since the competition’s inception in 1931. In comparison, Switzerland has garnered 35 golds and 113 overall, making it clear that even remarkable performances from Odermatt and his teammates will not close this gap in the immediate future.
