Odermatt Faces Challenge on Stelvio, Maintains Alpine Skiing Prospects
Marco Odermatt, a prominent figure in men’s Alpine skiing, faced unforeseen challenges during the recent downhill event at the Stelvio in Bormio, Italy. Despite his impressive track record, he was unable to secure the gold medal, finishing fourth.
Stelvio Downhill Event Overview
On February 7, 2023, Odermatt competed against tough competitors, including teammate Franjo von Allmen, who ultimately claimed victory. Following a season where Odermatt won three of six World Cup downhill races, expectations were high among fans and analysts alike.
Race Results and Competitors
- 1st Place: Franjo von Allmen (Switzerland)
- 2nd Place: Giovanni Franzoni (Italy)
- 3rd Place: Dominik Paris (Italy)
- 4th Place: Marco Odermatt (Switzerland)
Observers noted that hundreds of Swiss fans had traveled to support Odermatt, anticipating a strong performance. However, the atmosphere shifted as von Allmen surpassed Odermatt’s time by 0.70 seconds.
Marco Odermatt’s Reaction
Reflecting on his performance, Odermatt expressed disappointment. He stated, “It’s a fourth place, it’s not what I was hoping for.” Despite briefly leading in the race, he acknowledged that his run, although good, didn’t meet the requisite speed for victory.
Future Prospects in Alpine Skiing
Looking ahead, Odermatt remains optimistic. He is scheduled to participate in the downhill leg of the combined event on Monday, with further events, including super-G and giant slalom, lined up in the following week.
Norwegian ski legend Aksel Lund Svindal commented on the competition, emphasizing that Odermatt still has strong chances in upcoming events. Svindal remarked on von Allmen’s victory, noting, “I think he was the favourite for today based on what he did last week.”
Though Odermatt faced setbacks at the Stelvio, his proven talent in Alpine skiing keeps his medal hopes alive as he prepares for future races.
