Ski star Linus Straßer: A review of his unforgettable season

Ski star Linus Straßer: A review of his unforgettable season

Linus Straßer, the 31-year-old slalom specialist from Munich, set new standards last season. With his spectacular victory at the legendary slalom race in Kitzbühel in January 2024, where he reached the best time on the demanding Ganslernhang, he crowned his career. For Straßer, this achievement is more than just a further victory in statistics, but represents an emotional confirmation of his skills.

Post-Kitzbühel also experienced Straßer what he calls "Kitzbühel-Kater". At the following night slalom in Schladming, he already noticed when warming up that something was different - unusual looseness and lack of tension accompanied him. Instead of bending the pressure, he used this informal and completed the race with an excellent performance. This meant that he managed the rare "Kitzbühel-Schladming-Double", a success that only succeeds in a few athletes.

financial prospects and sporting challenges

The victory in Kitzbühel was not only emotional, but also financially a win for Straßer: With prize money of 100,000 euros, this race is one of the most lucrative in skiing. Nevertheless, Straßer is aware of the differences in the merits in skiing. "There is a significant difference between the top 5 and the top 30," he said. The payment is very dependent on performance and he has not yet taken care of. However, he does not see this Situation as a problem; Rather, he is looking forward to life after the active career and sees competitive sports as a kind of training, the values of which he can also use in his everyday life.

Despite his passion for sport, Straßer admits that not every race day fulfills him with enthusiasm. There are moments when he asks why he has to continue to measure himself with the best in the world. But in the end his love for skiing predominates, and this flame will burn until the end of his career.

In his podcast "Behind the athletes", Straßer reflects his mental setting and responds to the special challenges of the competition. He talks about his advantages in terms of snow types and expresses his conviction that success alone does not bring on. He also gives his admiration for former athletes such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, whose successful transition to a new life after his football career inspires him.

For everyone who wants to learn more about Linus Straßer's experiences and thoughts, the full interview is available skiweltcup.tv .