Marco Odermatt has set the bar even higher for Swiss skiing after claiming his 41st World Cup victory at the picturesque Alta Badia on Sunday, December 10, 2023. With this win, he solidified his place in history by breaking the record for most victories by a Swiss male skier.
Just one day prior, Odermatt had equaled Pirmin Zurbriggen's record during another thrilling competition at nearby Val Gardena. This time, he made history all his own by showcasing his talent on the challenging alpine slopes and posting a remarkable second run time of 1 minute 15.18 seconds, leading to an overall finish time of 2:31.45.
After the race, Odermatt reflected on his incredible achievement: "To be the best Swiss Alpine skier ever, right after Pirmin Zurbriggen, who is the biggest legend we had in Swiss skiing history -- this is a very special moment." His triumph at Alta Badia marked not only the second win consecutively but also demonstrated his stellar skill and determination, earning him the top spot on the podium.
The victory was not without fierce competition, as Odermatt had to fend off rising stars like Frenchman Leo Anguenot, who was also competing for his coveted place among the elite. Anguenot, who finished second, expressed his awe at being on the World Cup podium, stating, "It's a dream come true to be on the World Cup podium, I've been dreaming of it since I was a kid," showcasing the poignant dreams and aspirations of young athletes striving for greatness.
Norwegian Alexander Steen Olsen, who was ranked second after the first run, finished third, with Croatian skier Filip Zubcic unable to maintain his lead after securing the fastest time initially.
With this win, Odermatt has increased his score to 440 points, extending his lead over Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen by 121 points. This victory was not only about personal achievement; it allowed Odermatt to take the lead away from Kristoffersen, who finished ninth on the day. Notably, Odermatt is also now leading the giant slalom discipline standings with 200 points, closely followed by Kristoffersen with 199 points and Steen Olsen at 189 points.
While Odermatt continues to bask in the glory of his record-breaking performance, he remains modest and focused on his goals. With the World Cup full of excitement, the attention will now shift to the slalom competition scheduled for Monday, where Odermatt will not be competing, focusing instead on training for future events.
Marco Odermatt's remarkable triumph at Alta Badia not only solidifies his legacy but also enhances the thrill surrounding the alpine skiing circuit. With the first stages of the World Cup season wrapping up, skiers and fans alike are left to wonder what other surprises are on the horizon.
