Swiss ski star for start number 31: Fairness for young talents?

Swiss ski star for start number 31: Fairness for young talents?

In the past few days, the Swiss Skistar Marco Odermatt has spoken of a controversial decision by the FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski). In an interview, he expressed concerns about the awarding of start numbers in alpine skiing, especially with regard to number 31 that the legendary Austrian skier Marcel Hirscher can wear in his home races.

Odermatt said that he did not necessarily consider the regulation to be beneficial and argued that it would have been exciting to send Hirscher into the race with a higher start number. "The FIS breaks the trips with the start numbers over 30," says Odermatt. This could mean that younger athletes, who still had a lot to prove in the simulated competition, could be disadvantaged by this regulation.

The meaning of the start numbers

The start numbers in alpine competitions are crucial because they decide on the order in which the athletes start. A lower number means that the driver goes on the track earlier, which is often advantageous because the slopes are less worn. An athlete with a higher number is left behind, since the conditions can already be impaired by the previous runners.

With a look at the season and the upcoming competitions expressed Odermatt: "I think it is good that Hirscher can start with the 31 at his home race in Sölden. But all season with this number I don't necessarily find it fair to the young athletes. Not even I have this security." This not only illustrates the challenges for the younger talents in sport, but also the complex dynamics caused by such regulations in the competitions.

The discussion about fairness and equal opportunities in skiing is not new, but it is increasingly moved into the light again through Odermatt's statements. How these rules affect many athletes and what effects they have on the competitive conditions remains a hot topic within the skier community.

The opinions on these topics vary, but Odermatt remains one of the few prominent voices that openly discuss the challenges and injustices in the current system. This could help to make regular adjustments that offer the young athletes a fairer competition platform.

For a detailed view of the topic and the background about the current discussions, See the current report www.heute.at .