NEWS
Clear Words: Will Odermatt forgo a discipline in the future?
The ski superstar speaks very openly about his future just weeks before the World Cup season kicks off.
Marco Odermatt (28) is contemplating the "final stretch" of his career.
During a press conference, the Swiss ski superstar spoke about his future, addressing, among other things, his advancing age and pivotal questions regarding the Ski World Cup.
The all-rounder has already achieved everything in skiing: Olympic champion, three-time world champion, and five-time overall World Cup winner. However, he does not deny that the ravages of time are also taking their toll on Switzerland's dominant athlete.
"I don't believe that..."
A withdrawal from the giant slalom could become a reality in the future: "Given my workload, one can certainly say that I won't be racing until 40," and he continued: "After this year, I'll soon be 30 years old."
Odermatt adds: "I don't believe I'll continue at this pace for the next five years." However, Odermatt still wants to tackle the upcoming season (including the home World Championships in Crans Montana) with full vigor. But: "What will come in the next or final phase of my career, I will think about after the season," he says.
Recently, a small injury sidelined the native of Nidwalden. But this does not unsettle Odermatt, who is now fit again. "One could also have a slipped disc," he says.
Odermatt takes the situation calmly. "I have achieved enough; I don't have to prove anything to anyone. If it's not enough in Sölden to be ready, then hopefully it will be enough for America."
Slalom in Dubai?
At the same time, Alpine skiing is undergoing a transformation.
Plans for annually held World Championships are met with only limited enthusiasm by the Swiss superstar.
"I would be afraid that the value of the World Championships would decrease if they take place every year." However, alternative major events are a good idea.
Odermatt is also positive about the development of new World Cup venues and laughs: "Perhaps there will soon be a slalom in Dubai."
Odermatt explains: "It's the World Cup. It's not the Swiss Championships or Alpine Championships. You don't have to race from A to B and travel a lot more. But if you try something new somewhere every four years, that would certainly be feasible."
