Marco Odermatt: "I like to fight," says ODI

Marco Odermatt shines in Sölden : reactions after his success in giant slalom

Swiss champion Marco Odermatt, known as ODI in the ski world, has started the new Alpine Skiing World Cup season in style, winning the first giant slalom in Sölden (Austria). In the Swiss camp, among his rivals, and in the media, reactions are multiplying after this demonstration, which already places the Nidwalden skier at the top of the contenders for the big crystal globe.

Marco Odermatt portrait and top video

Marco Odermatt charts and video

A victory expected, but not guaranteed

Even though he was among the favorites, the pressure was high on Odermatt for this season launch. Changeable snow conditions, wind on the upper Rettenbach glacier… nothing was offered to him. However, he imposed his powerful and precise skiing in both runs. At the finish, the champion remained humble:

«"I focused only on my skiing, on my lines. I left the rest aside."»

This approach pays off once again: calm, control and speed.

Pride and ambition in the Swiss camp

His coach hailed "an almost perfect race," while emphasizing that the season is long and consistency will be key. His teammates, for their part, say they are inspired. "When Marco skis like that, it pushes us all to the top," confided one of them, happy to see the Swiss team start so strongly from Sölden.

Opponents recognize his superiority

The reactions from his rivals were just as eloquent. Austrian Marco Schwarz acknowledged that "Odermatt was above the rest today." The same observation was made by the Italians, who were determined to put more pressure on him as the races progressed.
In the ski community, journalists and former champions applaud this thunderous debut. Many are already calling it a "show of power" and a signal to the entire competition.

What to expect for the rest of the season?

This victory in Sölden shows that Odi is ready. But he knows it himself: the road to a new world championship is still long. Managing fatigue, consistency in all disciplines, adapting to the different tracks: these are just some of the challenges that await him.

For Swiss fans, this perfect start can only fuel enthusiasm: if the level displayed in Sölden is confirmed, the spectacle will be magnificent all winter long.

Odi didn't just win the opening giant slalom: he sent a powerful message. His technical and mental dominance suggests he'll be the man to beat again this season. One thing is certain: Swiss skiing can dream of another exceptional year.

Marco Odermatt in the Skiactus.ch interview

– full article here Ski Odermatt

Odi shares his joy on his super popular Instagram account

Note that our alpine ski champion has more than 1,000 new followers on his account Instagram