Marco Odermatt continues to dominate alpine skiing, but former Olympic champion Carlo Janka suggests the Swiss star faces a precarious balance between maintaining his peak and the inevitable physical toll of the sport. Speaking to Blick, Janka noted that at Odermatt’s current level, the athlete is in a position where he can only lose, as expectations are so high that anything less than a victory is often viewed as a disappointment.
The Heavy Burden of Unrelenting Swiss Dominance
Maintaining the top spot in the World Cup standings brings immense pressure. Janka observed that for Odermatt, a second-place finish can be perceived as a failure because the standard for satisfaction is nearly identical to winning the race.
Managing Injuries and Longevity on the Slopes
While Odermatt has remained consistent, Janka pointed out that “nothing is guaranteed” regarding longevity. He suggested that a hip injury Odermatt suffered in August may have inadvertently provided a necessary period of rest. Janka noted that while the body eventually shows signs of aging, experienced athletes often learn to better manage their efforts to extend their careers.
Preparing for the Crans-Montana 2027 Milestone
The 2027 World Championships in Crans-Montana are identified as the critical milestone for the Swiss team. Janka stated that these games will be “very important” and that Odermatt will need to secure medals to maintain the success of the national program. For the season to be considered a true success, Switzerland must also retain its position at the top of the nations’ ranking.
Within the Swiss men’s squad, Janka believes the team is solid but warned against comparing young prospects to Odermatt too early. He described the current champion as “a case apart,” though he identified Lenz Hächler as a potential athlete to lead the next generation.
Assessing Swiss Strengths and Slalom Gaps
Switzerland remains highly competitive in the giant slalom, super-G, and downhill disciplines, provided athletes remain healthy. However, Janka highlighted a specific weakness in the slalom, noting that the team faced more difficulties in that discipline last year.
On the women’s side, Janka advised patience following the departure of Lara Gut-Behrami. He argued that when a dominant generation leaves, the subsequent athletes require time to step into those roles and take over the mantle of leadership.
Pushback Against Annual FIS World Championships
Drawing from his own experience at the 2017 World Championships in Saint-Moritz, Janka expressed opposition to the International Ski Federation (FIS) proposal to hold World Championships annually. He argued that increasing the frequency of the event reduces its overall value and prestige.
Janka compared the proposed change to the Olympic Games, stating that the prestige of the Olympics is derived specifically from their rarity. While he acknowledged the marketing logic behind annual championships, he maintained that such a move would diminish the sporting importance of the title.
The Swiss team’s focus now shifts toward maintaining its global ranking and preparing for the 2027 home championships in Crans-Montana. Share your thoughts on whether the FIS should move to annual championships in the comments below.
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