Franziska Gritsch, the talented Austrian ski racer, has faced bumpy terrain since choosing to break away from the Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV) and form a private team with her partner and coach, Florian Stengg. This season has not been what the 27-year-old envisioned, as shown by her disappointing performance at the recent Semmering World Cup.
One year ago, Gritsch made headlines not just for her skiing prowess but for her personal life. Her romantic relationship with Stengg became public, leading to her decision to part ways with the ÖSV to pursue training independently. So far, the transition has proven challenging, with Gritsch struggling to capitalize on her potential.
At the Semmering giant slalom, Gritsch finished a disheartening 29th after starting the second run with high expectations. "I want more and expect more from myself. It frustrates me not to be able to show what I can do," she remarked following her race, acknowledging the struggle to find her rhythm this season.
It's been a tough season for Gritsch. She noted, "Three times, I couldn't make it past the first run, and my results have been 29th, 25th, and 27th, which isn't what I aspire to as an athlete." Her most recent run at Semmering did nothing to bolster her confidence, as she failed to take advantage of her favorable start number. Despite these setbacks, Gritsch remains resolute. "I am still 100% convinced of our project. The support from my team is immense, and they help wherever they can," she expressed, showcasing her dedication to her path.
Gritsch's confidence stems from the personal and financial sacrifices she and her team have made to compete successfully this season. Training as part of her private setup allows her the flexibility to tailor her practice to her needs. "You can train exactly what you need, and you can adjust your plan one hundred percent for yourself, which isn’t always possible within the team structure," she elaborated. This bespoke training environment creates opportunities to gear her practice toward specific skills and strategies.
Gritsch's determination to succeed is admirable, yet the tangible results on the World Cup circuit must follow soon if she hopes to earn qualification for the upcoming World Championships scheduled to be held in Saalbach. "I need to earn my points, especially with the home World Championships approaching; my results so far haven’t bolstered my case for ÖSV selection," she explained, indicating her awareness of the competitive pressures she faces.
Reflectively, Gritsch sees the last year as one of growth and learning. "It has been exciting, but also extremely valuable for me. I've learned so much and developed significantly. I hope to showcase this growth on the slopes next year," she shared, foreshadowing her aspirations for the future.
Despite the ups and downs, Gritsch’s driving passion for skiing remains undeterred. She's committed to improving her performance and restoring her confidence within competitive skiing, with her next opportunity to shine arriving soon. With the slalom race expected shortly, she anticipates reclaiming her footing within the sport.
Franziska Gritsch's story encapsulates both the personal sacrifices athletes often make and the relentless pursuit of excellence, all underscored by her determination to rise again on the ski slopes. The coming weeks will be pivotal as she seeks to overcome current challenges and secure her place among the elite racers at the World Championships.