Saalbach, March 16, 2024, The Europe Today: Switzerland’s skiing sensation Marco Odermatt faced a heartbreaking setback at the Austrian resort of Saalbach on Saturday, as he narrowly missed out on etching his name into the annals of skiing history by failing to finish the giant slalom race.
Odermatt, who had dominated the giant slalom circuit with an impressive streak of nine consecutive victories earlier in the season, entered the final race with aspirations of matching Swedish legend Ingemar Stenmark’s remarkable feat of winning every race in the discipline during the 1978–79 season. However, fate had other plans for the 26-year-old prodigy.
Despite leading the race after the first run, Odermatt’s hopes were dashed when he lost control and veered off course during his second run, ultimately failing to cross the finish line. The unexpected turn of events paved the way for his compatriot Loic Mellard to claim victory, with Andorra’s Joan Verdu and Switzerland’s Thomas Tumler securing second and third place, respectively.
While the disappointment of missing out on the historic milestone may linger, Odermatt remains undeterred in his pursuit of excellence. Having already secured the coveted crystal globe and overall title, the resilient skier now sets his sights on conquering new frontiers in the downhill and super-G disciplines.
With his sights set on etching his name into the annals of skiing history, Odermatt aims to become the first male skier since Austrian legend Hermann Maier in 2001 to clinch four globes in a single season. As he embarks on this new chapter of his skiing journey, Odermatt’s unwavering determination and indomitable spirit serve as a testament to his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
