Raphael Haaser claimed gold in the giant slalom at the Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, thrilling the Austrian crowd. Despite challenging conditions, Haaser outperformed strong rivals, including the defending champion Marco Odermatt. German skier Anton Grammel had a breakthrough performance, finishing twelfth. The victory marked Austria’s sixth medal of the championships, disrupting Swiss dominance, while Haaser’s win was bittersweet due to his sister’s injury. The championships continue with women’s events and an upcoming team competition.
In a stunning turn of events, Raphael Haaser triumphed in the giant slalom, capturing gold amidst the jubilant cheers of the Austrian crowd. German skier Anton Grammel also showcased an impressive performance.
As the morning snowfall blanketed the Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, the weather took a favorable turn just in time for the giant slalom event on February 14, 2025. The clouds parted, allowing the world’s top giant slalom racers to compete under bright sunshine on the ‘Schneekristall’ racecourse in Hinterglemm.
It seemed as if the weather gods were in favor of the Austrian team, anticipating the celebration that would soon unfold at the finish line. Raphael Haaser, who had already secured a silver medal in the Super-G at these championships, pulled off an extraordinary feat by claiming the World Championship title, outpacing a formidable Swiss team. ‘Incredible, I don’t know what to say’, Haaser expressed, still in disbelief as he had yet to stand on a World Cup podium in giant slalom.
Can Anyone Challenge Haaser’s Victory?
The stage was set for an exhilarating showdown: excellent visibility and optimal conditions created the perfect backdrop for a thrilling race for the coveted World Championship crown. Marco Odermatt, the defending champion and World Cup leader, entered the finals in third place after the first run, trailing Timon Haugan from Norway and Loic Meillard in second.
With Haaser setting a blistering pace, Odermatt needed to deliver an exceptional performance to reclaim the lead. As Haaser crossed the finish line, the atmosphere in Hinterglemm’s finish stadium erupted with excitement, signaling the start of an electrifying conclusion to the race.
Haaser Stuns the Swiss Rivals
For the first time this season, an Austrian found themselves at the forefront of the competition, providing a much-needed uplift for a ski nation seeking redemption. This victory marked Austria’s sixth medal in the championships.
Unfortunately, Odermatt faced early challenges, making a mistake that cost him a chance at the podium. He fell out of medal contention amid the roaring cheers from Austrian fans. Meanwhile, both Meillard and Haugan struggled to match Haaser’s remarkable time, leaving Haaser in disbelief as he watched the celebrations unfold.
Family Triumphs and Trials
Haaser’s stunning victory was bittersweet, as his sister Ricarda suffered a torn cruciate ligament during the women’s Super-G event. Despite the injury, Haaser delivered a remarkable performance, having overcome a six-week injury hiatus before the championships.
Swiss Team Still Strong Despite Setbacks
Haaser’s victory disrupted the Swiss dominance that had characterized the championships thus far, as they had clinched gold in all three men’s races leading up to this event. Although Odermatt’s victory was anticipated, his compatriots, Thomas Tumler (+0.23 seconds) and Loic Meillard (+0.51 seconds), secured silver and bronze, respectively, maintaining Switzerland’s strong medal tally, which now stands at ten.
The Swiss men had previously won gold in every race at the championships, further asserting their prowess in the sport.
Grammel’s Breakthrough Performance
German skiers Anton Grammel, Jonas Stockinger, and Fabian Gratz entered the giant slalom with modest expectations, as none had previously broken into the top ten during the World Cup season. However, Grammel achieved an outstanding second run, recording the fastest time and finishing a commendable twelfth overall, ahead of renowned competitors like Filip Zubcic and Lucas Pinheiro Braathen.
‘It can’t get better than this’, expressed the 26-year-old, who felt he executed his plan flawlessly, skiing aggressively without hesitation.
Hope for a Brighter Future
Grammel is eager to carry this momentum into the future, having finally experienced the thrill of leading in the finish area. ‘I told the FIS official: ‘Finally, I’ve been waiting a long time to be able to sit on it.’ He, along with his teammates Gratz and Stockinger, celebrated their collective efforts at the finish line.
The last time Germany claimed a giant slalom World Championship title was four decades ago, with Markus Wasmeier’s victory in 1985. However, Grammel’s impressive performance offers hope for future success.
Stay updated with the ski alpine calendar, featuring all the important dates from Sölden to the World Championships in Saalbach and the season finale in Sun Valley.
As the race for a new giant slalom champion unfolds in Saalbach, the women’s competition is also set to take place, adding to the excitement of the Alpine Ski World Championships.
A new team competition is on the horizon at the Alpine Ski World Championships in Saalbach, promising even more thrilling moments as the men’s competition summary comes to a close.