The surprising un-retirement is complete - Benjamin Karl (40) is, after all, remaining in the snowboard circuit.
However, the return of the most successful alpine snowboarder of all time is not necessarily well-received within the ÖSV camp. Speaking to "Krone", Andreas Prommegger (45) stated: "I don't see it positively. And for many reasons!"
Alexander Payer (36), who is even the FIS athlete spokesman, also views the comeback critically: "I have serious concerns, the team chemistry is at risk."
Sport vs. Values
The negative attitude of the two ÖSV athletes towards the comeback is less related to Karl's athletic performance. "I respect his achievements. Athletically, we owe each other a lot," says Prommegger. "But beyond that, his values do not align with mine."
Not only the 45-year-old, but also Payer disagrees with some of Karl's statements. For example, in the "Mindgames" podcast, Karl explained that his wife Nina revealed to him that she would like more time for herself.
He replied: "It's not possible, because I am financially responsible for these four mouths to feed." He said his appointments have priority because through them he finances his family's life. These statements also drew criticism for the 40-year-old on social media.
"Fails as a Role Model"
Payer expresses himself clearly on the matter: "The values Karl lives by and represents are no longer contemporary. His demeanor and mindset are incomprehensible. Athletically, he is great, which is why his word carries weight – and that's precisely where he fails as a role model."
Prommegger explains how this can affect the sport. Although Karl stated that he wants to help the team, "he has made several blunders in the past that haven't necessarily helped the team. And yes, I've had many disputes and problems with him regarding this."
