Scared with the Austrians: Ski ace loves coach and leaves team

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“Always following your heart means sometimes walking new paths, often leaving your comfort zone and always taking courageous steps,” writes Franziska Gritsch (26) on Instagram. What the skier means by this: she is leaving the Austrian Ski Association with immediate effect and will train in a private team in the future.

The reason? Love. There was a spark between Gritsch and Florian Stengg, former assistant coach of the Austrian Technicians, and the two are a couple. That caused unrest. For example, because the association has withdrawn Stengg from the group, according to the Kleine Zeitung. Gritsch didn’t like that because she didn’t trust the other trainers enough.

Separation is best

It has now been decided to part ways, including Stengg, who will continue to work with Gritsch in the new team. The measure is taken by mutual agreement. “This is not acceptable in a team,” Alpine boss Herbert Mandl explained to the “Kurier”. “It is not fair for a team coach to have a private relationship with an athlete.” But he also understands and describes it as human that feelings can develop. “But there is no longer any confidence in this coach in the team, because his protégé is preferred.”

Secretary General Christian Scherer sounds the same. The separation is best for the team and Gritsch. “We resolved it amicably and consciously wanted to take precautions before it escalated.” Stengg will do that

Next race as a milestone

What does this mean for Gritsch? She must organize and finance her education herself. It is further equipped by the association and also covers travel costs to the races and accommodation. She will also continue to compete for Austria.

Gritsch wrote in her statement that she had carefully considered this decision. She hopes this will give her career a positive boost. The all-rounder has competed in 104 World Cup races so far and has been on the podium five times (two team events, one each in combined events, parallel slalom and super-G). One victory is still missing from their record.

Now she is looking forward to the slalom in Courchevel (Thursday, 5.45pm/8.45pm) as the “first milestone on the new path for me as an athlete”.

It remains to be seen whether she will also go out with her private team next season. As the association writes, they are open to a possible return to training with the team and are ready to talk at any time. (beer)

Source : Blick