Marco Odermatt has made skiing history by winning in Adelboden for the fourth consecutive time, although he felt bittersweet about his teammate Loïc Meillard’s close finish. Embracing his role as an entertainer, Odermatt balances fame with performance, enjoying crowd energy while maintaining personal boundaries. As he prepares for upcoming races, including the Lauberhorn and Kitzbühel, he remains focused on his goals, aiming to extend his remarkable legacy in the sport.
The Unstoppable Marco Odermatt: A New Chapter in Skiing History
Marco Odermatt has made history by clinching victory in Adelboden for an unprecedented fourth consecutive time. Despite this remarkable achievement, the Swiss skier found it difficult to fully immerse himself in the celebration. His teammate, Loïc Meillard, was in the lead before the steep section of the course, finishing just behind Odermatt. This result left Odermatt feeling a bit remorseful, acknowledging Meillard’s outstanding performance.
After a moment’s pause, Odermatt finally joined in the festivities, even belting out the “Vogellisi” song—a task he typically leaves to his more musically talented peers. While his fellow competitors may hit the high notes better, Odermatt’s charm and charisma dominate the World Cup stage, allowing him to connect with the crowd effortlessly. His recent giant slalom victory marked his 42nd win in the World Cup, moving him closer to the elite group of the top five male skiers in history.
Balancing Fame and Performance: Odermatt’s Unique Approach
Not every athlete can navigate the pressures of fame as gracefully as Odermatt. For instance, the legendary Marcel Hirscher often felt overwhelmed by the spotlight, expressing the difficulties of living life under constant scrutiny. Similarly, Lara Gut-Behrami experienced the weight of expectations during her early years, often feeling liberated only while racing. However, she found solace in minimizing distractions in her environment.
In contrast, Odermatt thrives on the energy of the crowd. “Winning makes you tired,” he shared in a recent interview, acknowledging the demanding nature of post-victory obligations like doping controls and awards ceremonies. However, he believes in limiting evening commitments to maintain his focus, advocating for a one-night event for starting draws each race week.
His temperament sets him apart from others in the sport. Rather than feeling drained by the attention, Odermatt embraces the role of entertainer, relishing in the cheers and chants that accompany his performances. Even after a disappointing Super-G race, he managed to bring levity to a sponsor event by riding down a slope on a plastic sled. His interactions with fans, including bus rides home from Adelboden, highlight his approachable nature.
Odermatt’s mother, Priska, noted his remarkable ability to extract what is beneficial for him while filtering out distractions. His father, Walter, indicated that around 15 individuals play a significant role in shaping his journey, and Marco has successfully cultivated positive relationships with them. This adaptability has helped him maintain a balanced mindset throughout his career.
Routines are essential for Odermatt’s energy management throughout the season. He can quickly shift from high-tension race mode to relaxation, often utilizing his downtime to catch up on messages or attend to personal matters. His down-to-earth personality endears him to fans, who appreciate his humility and respect for fellow competitors.
While Odermatt enjoys his rising fame, he does have boundaries. He prefers to avoid intrusive fans, especially when they approach him for selfies without consent. In public settings, he often chooses quieter corners to dine, aiming to minimize disruptions. The skier is aware that going out with friends in Switzerland has become a rarity.
With the Lauberhorn race approaching, fans are eager to see Odermatt back in action. Following that, he has his sights set on the downhill event in Kitzbühel, a significant milestone for the Nidwaldner skier. He also plans to participate in a giant slalom in Schladming and another downhill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen before the World Championships. Depending on his energy levels and performance standings, he remains open to adjusting his schedule throughout the season.
As the excitement builds, the world watches closely to see if Marco Odermatt will continue his victorious streak and add to his already impressive legacy in skiing.