Marco Odermatt made history over the weekend by not only securing victory at the FIS Ski World Cup downhill race in Gröden but also winning the giant slalom at Alta Badia within 24 hours. This remarkable achievement makes him the first skier to accomplish this elusive double, and with his 41st World Cup victory, he has now surpassed the legendary Pirmin Zurbriggen, solidifying his position as the most successful Swiss skier of all time.
During the downhill competition on Saturday, Odermatt showcased his incredible skills, finishing strong and retaining his lead effortlessly. The following day, the alpine arena at Alta Badia set the stage for another thrilling showdown where Odermatt would again be the center of attention. At the giant slalom, Odermatt finished the first run in third place, remarkably shifting to first by the conclusion of the second run, demonstrating his consistently high performance.
His final time of 2:31.45 minutes at Alta Badia secured his 25th giant slalom victory, reinforcing his dominance in this discipline. "It's crazy to think I'm now the most successful Swiss skier. Zurbriggen is the greatest legend of Swiss skiing history, and this is a special moment," Odermatt said, visibly emotional after achieving this milestone. Felix Neureuther, the former ski champion and current sports commentator, praised him, saying, "That was a feast for the eyes, something genius. That can only be done by one - him!" These accolades reflect not only his talent but also his hard work and commitment to the sport.
While Odermatt basked in the glory of his victories, some competitors had mixed feelings about the event. The giant slalom was conducted under challenging conditions, leading to criticism from various athletes about the pistes. Team colleague Justin Murisier did not mince words, branding the race decisions as "an absolute scandal" and stating, "The FIS plays with the health of us athletes." Former world champion Henrik Kristoffersen echoed these sentiments, calling the conditions "dangerous" and noting the considerably heightened injury risk.
Despite these controversies, Odermatt's performance throughout was nothing short of extraordinary, and it was particularly highlighted by his ability to navigate and adapt to the challenging technicalities of the course on both occasions. The race at Alta Badia was characterized as tough, with issues such as weak preparation of the snow surface and its continual breakage, presenting significant difficulty for the competitors.
Another story woven through the events was Anton Grammel, who finished 11th, his best career result. "I can be satisfied; I was able to show what I can do, finally," said the German skier after fighting his way from 21st to his highest finish. Grammel's achievement marked not only personal success but also provided hope for the German team following recent struggles.
On the podium, Odermatt stood proudly beside French skier Leo Anguenot, who secured second place, and Norwegian Alexander Steen Olsen, who finished third. The competitive spirit among the skiers was palpable, and the race results underscored the depth of talent present. Anguenot’s finish has been described as the best of his young career, marking him as one to watch in the future.
The weekend's events showcased not just individual talent but raised awareness about safety and course conditions, prompting discussions about management and oversight by the FIS. Commenting after the race, Odermatt, who is known for his thoughtful approach to skiing, reiterated concerns about competing under such adverse conditions. “It is important for athlete safety to take such matters seriously,” he remarked, positing the need for dialogue about how future races are handled.
Looking forward, Odermatt stands at the forefront of alpine skiing, poised to continue breaking records. Having already clinched several victories this season, he leads not just the overall World Cup standings but also shatters expectations as he remains consistent across all disciplines, fueling excitement among fans and aspiring skiers alike.
Despite the hurdles, his performance serves as proof of his extraordinary skill and determination, positioning him for the possibility of reaching even greater heights in the upcoming races and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest ski racers.
