"Wenn du für Fleiß mit Schmerz bestraft wirst, lässt die Motivation irgendwann zu wünschen übrig."
Even everyday life was associated with restrictions. "The most exhausting day in recent weeks was Sunday at the football pitch, where I watched my boy," recounts the Tyrolean at a media event for his ski company Atomic. Long periods of standing or sitting are still not very conducive.
"When you're punished with pain for your diligence, motivation eventually leaves much to be desired," Feller admits.
He had days in the summer "when I thought to myself: Why are you putting yourself through this sh… anyway?"
A Positive Conclusion
Feller answers this himself: "I want a positive conclusion to my career and to have fun with the sport that has given me so much in my life."
The goal for the Slalom Crystal Globe winner of 2023/24 is to roughly ski professionally for another two years.
"I owe that to the sport. It has given me so much throughout my life that I don't want to end it the way the last two years were. It often wasn't much fun. The goal now is to put enjoyment first – of course, with the necessary ambition and professionalism. Then the right results will follow."
Kitzbühel and Schladming
However, the current slalom specialist remains realistic: "I'm not going into the season with the expectation of competing for a globe."
Instead of a Crystal Globe, Feller is rather eyeing a "back-to-back" victory in Kitzbühel and a triumph in Schladming, as well as the World Championships.
A few days ago, Feller returned to snow training, and by the end of next week at the latest, he is expected to begin gate training for the first time.
Whether the ÖSV star will open the World Cup season in Levi (November 15), Gurgl (22), or only in Val d'Isere (December 13) remains open. Only one thing is certain: "I will definitely not be at the start line with pain."
The long-suffering Feller is convinced that he will ultimately be able to stand at the start line with a smile again and conclude his career at some point with a positive feeling.
"I've already achieved so much in my career, I know: I can do this too."
