Gold rush at the World Ski Championships: Haaser triumphs in Saalbach!

Gold rush at the World Ski Championships: Haaser triumphs in Saalbach!

An emotional spectacle unfolded on Friday at the World Ski Championships in Saalbach when 24-year-old Raphael Haaser sensationally won gold in the giant slalom. After a remarkable comeback that came just a week after his injury in Kitzbühel, where he finished second in the Super-G, Haaser exceeded all expectations. He suffered a cruciate ligament strain in December that put him out of action for six weeks. Despite these setbacks, he now won the coveted gold at the home World Championships, becoming the first ÖSV driver to achieve this in Saalbach since Rudi Nierlich in 1991, reported the crown.

The commentators Oliver Polzer and Hans Knauß were really excited during the race. Haaser himself was unimpressed by the adverse conditions and the heavy snowfall. “The visibility wasn't good, it's flat light, but we don't do anything other than ski all year round - so that shouldn't be a problem,” he explained on ORF. His calmness led Polzer to jokingly refer to him as “Mister Valium,” a remark that Knauß immediately confirmed. “He's a really cool guy, a lot has to happen for him to come out of his shell,” added Knauß, which further underlined the athlete's popularity Today reported.

Haaser left the pressure of top-class competition behind him by mentally preparing himself with the attitude of “I have nothing to lose.” This winning mentality, coupled with his athletic talent, was crucial to his triumph in giant slalom. After a hungry phase last winter with only a seventh place in Val d'Isère, the ski star has finally fought his way back to the top and is causing cheering fans and smiling faces in the ski association.