Marco Odermatt has achieved yet another significant milestone by winning the Sports Awards for the fourth consecutive time, marking him as the first Swiss athlete to attain this distinction. The accolade is a culmination of tremendous effort and resilience, particularly as Odermatt navigates the rugged terrain of competitive skiing.
During the award ceremony, Odermatt expressed his gratitude for the title, stating, "It is very nice to win the title and makes me proud. Even though there was also the Olympics this year." He reflected on the common adage about the difficulty of remaining at the top, saying, "They often say it’s harder to stay at the top than to get there. Do you agree? I don’t see it like this. For me, it’s harder to reach the top. There you don’t know yet if you have what it takes and if things work out. Once you’ve made it, you have the confirmation of being on the right track and just need to tweak some small things." This perspective highlights his ambitious nature and the psychological rigor required to succeed at high levels.
Notably, Odermatt faced challenges earlier this season, with several falls during his races, particularly in Bormio. He remains focused on his goals, stating, "Kitzbühel I have named as my biggest goal this season because I still lack this title." This event has significant historical prestige, and winning there would be a crowning achievement for him.
Looking forward, Odermatt is also excited about upcoming races. "I’m very much looking forward to the home races in the Bernese Oberland. That’s always the big highlight. After three victories in Adelboden, I come here without the great pressure, but with the mindset: Cool, it would be great if it works again," he noted. His optimism reflects the supportive spirit of the skiing community, as he prepares for intense competitions against top athletes.
On the topic of his fellow competitors, he has shown solidarity with Gino Caviezel, who recently had his share of misfortunes due to injuries stemming from the same difficult five-week stretch of races. Odermatt confirmed maintaining contact with Caviezel: "I have seen him one or two times and am otherwise busy staying in touch with him. Such injuries are always unfortunate. It’s even more bitter when it affects a good colleague. Luckily, it’s something he can recover from. Hopefully, he can join us again next season."
The atmosphere around the awards also recognized other standout athletes: the Team of the Year was awarded to Nina Brunner and Tanja Hüberli for their accomplishments in beach volleyball, and Lucia Acklin received the title of Best Talent for athletics. Granit Xhaka was acknowledged as the MVP of the Year for football, highlighting the diverse achievements across various sports.
Patrick Fischer was honored as Coach of the Year for his contributions to ice hockey, showing the depth of talent nurtured within Swiss sports. Paralympic athlete Catherine Debrunner was recognized as Sportswoman of the Year, symbolizing the spirit and determination prevalent among athletes competing at all levels.
Lara Gut-Behrami, too, received accolades as Sportswoman of the Year, complementing Odermatt’s recognition and reinforcing the exemplary status of Swiss athletes on the global stage.
These achievements and tributes signify not only the personal victories of these athletes but also the collective spirit of resilience and excellence within Swiss sports. With the skiing season progressing and major events on the horizon, athletes like Odermatt embody the drive and tenacity required to push the boundaries of success.
Looking to the future, Odermatt remains undeterred, channeling energy toward Kitzbühel, where he aims to capitalize on lessons learned from prior races. He understands well the mix of pressure and exhilaration inherent to elite competition, especially as he works toward his aspiration of winning the coveted title at Kitzbühel.
The current season continues to challenge and inspire, as athletes prepare to showcase their skills on the world stage. With Odermatt setting his eyes on historic wins and bolstering his status among the greats, the coming months promise thrilling competitions. The camaraderie and sportsmanship within the skiing community, alongside the excitement over the upcoming events, will undoubtedly keep fans engaged and hopeful for exceptional performances.