From the classroom to the world stage: Richard Leitgeb's return to skiing under the Hungarian flag

From the classroom to the world stage: Richard Leitgeb's return to skiing under the Hungarian flag

Richard Leitgeb, a 30-year-old from Carinthia, is about to make an exciting comeback in the Ski World Cup. After a successful promotion in which he achieved both victories and top placings in South America, he will now compete in Levi under the Hungarian flag. This is by no means an ordinary new start for the talented slalom specialist, who made his World Cup debut for Austria in 2016.

Leitgeb refocused his career under difficult circumstances. After he left the Austrian squad, he used his contacts with the Hungarian Ski Association and changed his nationality. This happened even though he has no family connections to Hungary; Rather, his decision was based on friendly relationships from his time at the ski academy in Schladming.

From the rises to the setbacks

After his career ended for the first time, Leitgeb sought training to become a state coach and completed a bachelor's degree in sports and geography. Nevertheless, the desire to be active in top-class sport remained strong. According to his own statement, he was “ready to keep skiing” and didn’t give up despite the obstacles. So he had to wait three long years for approval to change nations and fell back to 1375th place in the FIS rankings.

But despite these setbacks, he showed perseverance. At races in Argentina, he managed to finish on the podium in each of the six competitions, winning three of them - a remarkable achievement that was like a "dream" for him. These victories made it clear that the talent and passion for skiing continues to burn.

Leitgeb has currently launched a crowdfunding campaign to ensure the financial basis for his coming season, from which he has already collected 16,600 euros. He has also found sponsors such as furniRENT and Salomon who will support him on his return. Even as a “one-man show” he is heavily challenged; he takes care of everything from ski preparation to travel and accommodation.

With a fixed starting place for the European Cup based on his performance, he is motivated. Still, he will prioritize focusing on the World Cup, stressing that the sometimes unpredictability of race conditions represents both a challenge and an attractiveness to the sport.

The World Championships in Saalbach remain a special goal for Leitgeb. He is therefore planning to improve his knowledge of Hungarian in order to be better integrated into the new environment. “In the end, everyone is racing against time,” he says, and he is fully committed to his new adventure and the challenge that comes with changing nations.

More details about his upcoming races and move to the Hungarian national team can be found in a detailed report on www.kleinezeitung.at be read.