Odermatt Shines in Sölden: Winning Season-Opening Giant Slalom for Switzerland
Some athletes wilt under pressure. Others, like Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt, seem to thrive in it. The four-time overall World Cup champion started his season exactly where he left off: on top of the podium. On Sunday, under challenging skies in Sölden, Austria, Odermatt laid down a masterclass in giant slalom, proving once again why he’s the man to beat.
The day wasn’t without its drama. The weather, fickle as ever in the Alps, forced a delay in the second run. For many, that waiting game can be a mental battle, a chance for doubt to creep in. But not for Odermatt. He came into the second run clinging to a razor-thin lead of just 0.01 seconds over Austria’s own Marco Schwarz. It was a margin so small you could barely blink.
When his turn finally came, the 28-year-old phenom showed the world what champions are made of. He attacked the course with a blend of raw power and surgical precision, extending his lead and crossing the finish line a decisive 0.24 seconds ahead of Schwarz. The victory marked his 46th World Cup win and an incredible third consecutive triumph on the demanding Sölden course, following wins in 2021 and 2022.
Odermatt’s Winning Mentality
After the race, a visibly pleased Odermatt shared his thoughts. “It’s the perfect start,” he said, the relief and satisfaction clear in his voice. “You always give a lot during the summer, but you still don’t really know where you are before the first race. So, this is very good to get into the season with confidence.”He also gave a small peek into his preparation strategy. “I really set the focus again on the GS (Giant Slalom) this prep season… I’ll take this good feeling into the next event.”
When asked if the pressure of the second run got to him, his answer was telling. “No, not really. Always more [nervous] in the first round. I already had a good feeling in the first.” It’s that kind of unshakeable self-belief that separates the great from the legendary. He trusts his process, trusts his training, and when it’s time to perform, he simply lets his skis do the talking.
The Podium and a Look Ahead
The crowd roared for their local hero, Marco Schwarz, who put up a valiant fight to secure a strong second-place finish. Rounding out the podium was Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath, who skied two solid runs to claim third. The day was a reminder of the depth of talent on the circuit, with Austria’s Stefan Brennsteiner and France’s Thibaut Favrot finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
Noticeably absent was last season’s Sölden winner, Alexander Steen Olsen of Norway, who is sidelined with a knee injury. His presence was missed, but the competition was fierce nonetheless. On the women’s side, Austrian Julia Scheib had given the home crowd something to cheer about a day earlier, winning the women’s giant slalom on the same Rettenbach Glacier.
Final Thoughts
With the first race in the books, the World Cup circuit now packs up and heads north. The next stop is Levi, Finland, for slalom events scheduled for November 15-16. For Marco Odermatt, the season has started just as he would have wished: with a win, a boost of confidence, and a clear message sent to all his rivals. The king of the giant slalom is back, and he’s not ready to give up his throne.
