The upcoming Olympic Super-G event promises excitement, particularly for the Swiss team represented by Franjo von Allmen and Marco Odermatt. Historically, Switzerland has yet to win a gold medal in this specific skiing discipline. Since its introduction to the Olympic program at the 1988 Calgary Games, the Super-G men’s event has seen champions from other countries, notably Norway, Austria, France, and Germany.
Switzerland’s Olympic Super-G Challenge
Despite a lack of gold medals, expectations are high for Swiss skiers in the upcoming competition in Bormio, Italy. Experts surveyed by Blick are optimistic, suggesting that this could change as both contenders show promise.
Key Competitors and Predictions
- Franjo von Allmen: The current Olympic champion in downhill and team combination, is seen as a strong contender by expert Fritz Strobl.
- Marco Odermatt: Known for his technical skill, he is favored by many, including German ski expert Felix Neureuther.
Strobl points out that Von Allmen’s cheerful demeanor might contribute to his performance, indicating that athletes often perform best when relaxed and confident. Meanwhile, Neureuther highlights recent unusual track conditions on the Stelvio mountain, which could favor Odermatt’s technical prowess.
The Italian Advantage
Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni, a silver medalist in the Olympic downhill event and the Kitzbühel champion, is also expected to compete fiercely. His training on the course prior to the event may give him an edge.
Additionally, Franzoni benefits from having his coach, Lorenzo Galli, as the course setter. The course design, aiming for simplicity and minimal traps, recalls the successful Super-G from 2018 won by Dominik Paris, adding to Franzoni’s confidence.
Setting Expectations for the Super-G Event
As the Super-G event approaches, all eyes will be on these key competitors. While the Swiss team hopes to end their medal drought, the Italian contingent stands ready to capitalize on their local training and experience.
With the competition drawing near, it remains to be seen whether Switzerland can finally break the Super-G curse at the Olympics. The mixture of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck could prove crucial for success.
