TESERO, Italy – Teresa Stadlober is preparing for a poignant and potentially historic race at the Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The 33-year-vintage Austrian cross-country skier will compete in the inaugural 50km women’s race on Sunday, February 22nd, a competition she hopes will serve as a fitting conclusion to her Olympic career and a tribute to her recently deceased grandmother.
Stadlober, a four-time Olympian, enters the race as a medal contender, acknowledging the immense challenge ahead. “To win a medal is simply the big goal,” Stadlober said in an interview with ORF. “But for a medal, everything has to be right – as we athletes always say. The day’s form has to be right, the material has to be right, and the race has to proceed my way. And you always need a bit of luck for a medal.”
Historic 50km Debut for Women
This year’s Games mark a significant milestone for women’s cross-country skiing, as the 50km race is being held for the first time. Previously, the longest distance for women at the Olympics was 30km. Stadlober expressed her honor at being part of this historic event. “It’s an incredible honor to be here. I’m incredibly excited about it. I’ve been preparing for this competition for months and have had it on my mind constantly,” she stated.
Stadlober has already demonstrated strong form at these Games, finishing in the top ten in both the skiathlon and the 10km events. Her ability to handle challenging climbs will be a key asset on the demanding 50km course, which features 1,900 meters of elevation gain.
A Brutal Course and a Mental Challenge
The 50km race is expected to be a grueling test of endurance and mental fortitude. Stadlober anticipates a “brutal hard race,” noting the difficulty of the course, which was evident during Saturday’s men’s race. “It’s a very long race, a lot can happen,” she explained. “The course is also very demanding, it’s difficult to run. You also have to be mentally prepared for the fact that it’s just a long race.”
Strategic ski changes and the performance of Sweden’s Frida Karlsson will be key factors to watch. However, Karlsson’s participation is uncertain as she is currently battling a fever. Stadlober acknowledged Karlsson’s impressive form, stating, “She’s in incredible shape. She destroyed us in the skiathlon and also in the 10km skating race. I’m curious to see how she approaches it, whether she pushes the pace from the beginning. At some point, there will certainly be an attack.”
Equipment will also play a crucial role. “Without a fast ski, there’s no medal,” Stadlober emphasized.
A Personal Motivation
This race carries a deeply personal significance for Stadlober, as she is competing just days after the passing of her grandmother. She dedicated the race to her memory, posting a heartfelt message on Instagram. Stadlober intends to carry her grandmother’s spirit with her on the course. “I’m taking my grandma with me on the 50km and will run for her in my heart. And I know that my grandma is watching from above and will hopefully supply me the strength for the climbs,” she said.
Looking for a Podium Finish
While Stadlober has consistently performed well in 50km races, finishing as high as 11th at the 2023 World Championships in Trondheim, a podium finish has eluded her. “But a podium is missing over 50 kilometers. I’ve had several fourth places,” she admitted. She secured a bronze medal in the skiathlon at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Her father and Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV) cross-country coach, Alois Stadlober, believes she has a strong chance of achieving her goal. “The chance is very great, I think. But everything has to fit. But if everything fits, she certainly belongs to the medal circle,” he stated.
Stadlober remains undecided about her future plans, stating, “I haven’t decided when I will finish my career.”
The women’s 50km race is scheduled to start on Sunday at 10:00 AM CET (4:00 AM EST). The event will be broadcast live on ORF1 in Austria.
