Training with a difference: a test of courage for female skiers in Austria

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The holidays are over for most ski stars. They are already focusing on winter and are in the middle of preparations. The training units can no longer differ from each other.

Sebastian Foss-Solevaag (31) completes a skills course, his Norwegian compatriot Lucas Braathen (23) and the Swiss siblings Loïc (26) and Mélanie Meillard (24) show their skills on the trampoline and the young Swiss skiers are even in the sawdust.

A special walk

For the Austrian speed drivers, the situation is completely different. A group around vice world champion downhill 2023, Nina Ortlieb (27) and Christine Scheyer (28) have had a very special week of training.

In it, the athletes toil in the weight room, climb on an indoor ski simulator and embark on a special hike. Almost two years before the World Cup at home in Saalbach-Hinterglemm (4 to 16 February 2025), they will inspect the track. And not just on foot, but for once they start at the finish line and run upwards.

Overcoming is required

But that is not everything. Because at the end of the week there is a special courage test for the athletes. They put on their racing gear, strap their skis under their feet and ski down a 40 and 60 meter ski jump. Also a test of courage for a vice world champion downhill – although in winter Ortlieb sometimes flies 40 m and further on the ski slopes at more than 120 km / h.

“It’s mainly about conquering yourself,” explains coach Christoph Alster (43) to the “Krone”, who gave him the idea. Ultimately, he can be proud of his athletes. Because except for Michelle Niederwieser (24), who suffers from cartilage, everyone has passed the test of courage. Only on landing do they show some difficulty and sometimes they cannot stand. (bir)

Source : Blick