Meillard and Nef Aim to Break Slalom Losing Streak

Swiss alpine skiing is at a pivotal moment as the nation seeks its first Olympic gold in slalom since 1948. The team has a strong chance to break a long-standing drought, particularly with two top athletes poised for success. No male Swiss skier has won Olympic gold in slalom since Edy Reinalter’s victory in 1948, despite two additional medals since then.

Meillard and Nef: Olympic Hopefuls

Upcoming at the Olympics, Loïc Meillard and Tanguy Nef are garnering considerable attention. Both athletes, aged 29, have been recognized for their skills. Meillard, the reigning world champion, has already claimed silver in the team combination and bronze in giant slalom events.

Although Nef has not reached the World Cup top three, his impressive gold medal performance in the team combination showcases his ability on the unique, primarily flat slalom course at Stelvio.

Expert Opinions on Nef’s Potential

Felix Neureuther, a former world champion, believes Nef has what it takes to succeed. He highlights the importance of agility on the Stelvio course, remarking that even a slight misstep can jeopardize a skier’s momentum. Neureuther believes that if Nef maintains his composure under pressure, he could emerge victorious in the slalom.

Challenges for Meillard

In contrast, Meillard faced challenges during the team event, finishing over a second behind Nef. Neureuther noted that Meillard’s equipment may not have been suited to the Svetlio conditions, similar to issues faced by the current slalom Olympic champion Clément Noël. However, he believes both athletes are still contenders for the upcoming individual event.

Critique of the Stelvio Course

The Stelvio slalom course is generating mixed reviews from experts. Many insiders argue that the course lacks sufficient steepness and selective passages to challenge elite athletes. Neureuther expressed disappointment, stating it does not meet Olympic standards and that the layout could have benefitted from additional technical features.

• Swiss alpine skiing has not won gold in Olympic slalom since 1948.
• Loïc Meillard: Age 29, silver in team combination, bronze in giant slalom.
• Tanguy Nef: Age 29, gold in team combination but yet to achieve World Cup top placements.
• Expert Felix Neureuther endorses Nef’s potential for slalom success.
• Concerns exist regarding the course layout’s difficulty level.

Despite the critiques of the Stelvio course, the Swiss team remains hopeful. Monday could mark a significant moment as they aim to end their slalom medal drought. The eyes of the sporting world will be on Meillard and Nef as they compete at Filmogaz.com’s anticipated Olympic slalom events.