Swiss ski star Odermatt secures overall and GS World Cup titles in race won by teammate Meillard
Swiss ski sensation Marco Odermatt may not have clinched the top spot in the recent race, but he did manage to secure two crystal globes and set a new national record in Alpine skiing. Odermatt’s remarkable performance in a World Cup giant slalom event saw him finish in second place behind his teammate Loic Meillard, effectively solidifying his fourth consecutive overall and GS titles.
The only contender left to challenge Odermatt for the overall title, Henrik Kristoffersen, needed a stellar performance in the race at Hafjell, Norway to keep his slim chances alive. Unfortunately for Kristoffersen, he ended up in 16th place, allowing Odermatt to extend his lead to a commanding 635 points in the overall standings with only five events left in the season.
Reflecting on his achievements, Odermatt expressed his disbelief at adding two more globes to his collection, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that went into his success. Despite the formality of clinching the title due to Kristoffersen’s absence in speed events, Odermatt acknowledged the importance of maintaining his focus and determination throughout the season.
The 27-year-old skier also secured an insurmountable lead in the GS standings, surpassing Kristoffersen by 106 points with only one race left in the season. Odermatt’s journey to this point has been marked by resilience and perseverance, as he overcame a slow start to the season with two DNFs in giant slalom races before ultimately claiming victory three times.
Setting a new Swiss record with his 87th career World Cup podium, Odermatt further solidified his status as a standout in Alpine skiing. He joined an elite group of skiers in men’s World Cup history with at least four overall titles, becoming only the second athlete to achieve this feat four years in a row.
Looking ahead to the season-ending races at the World Cup finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, Odermatt remains focused on adding more titles to his name. With the super-G championship already secured, he is poised to claim the downhill title as well. The prospect of winning four globes once again serves as a driving force for Odermatt as he aims to repeat his success from the previous season.
As Odermatt prepares for the final downhill race, he finds himself in a close battle with teammate Franjo von Allmen for the title. The pressure is on, but Odermatt remains determined to secure victory and solidify his legacy in Alpine skiing.
In a season filled with ups and downs, Marco Odermatt’s resilience and determination have shone through, propelling him to new heights in the world of Alpine skiing. As he continues to rewrite the record books and etch his name in history, Odermatt’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of greatness.
