For a child of the Val Gardena, learning to ski is one growth stage almost mandatory, which usually comes soon after the first steps. Yet, for the series «fate is not always clear from the start», ad Alex Vinatzer – young promise of blue skiing – those two long and flat tools for slip on the snow they were not very convincing: “I am sincere, as a child I preferred other sports“, Reveals the South Tyrolean slalomist, class of ’99, on the eve of the” home “races in Alta Badia it’s at Madonna of Campiglio. “I didn’t like skiing, luckily mine maestro found one ploy».
What do you mean?
«Very simple, at each lap he gave me a piece of chocolate to make me continue the lesson. Then when some small races started, I got passionate, perhaps because I have a competitive character ».
So he didn’t have posters of mythical skiers in his bedroom.
“Not really, even if the American Bode Miller (four world triumphs and an Olympic gold medal in Vancouver 2010, ed) was my main favorite ».
Is there a turning point in your career? When did you realize that skiing could become your future?
«When I went to Austria to do sports high school. There, in a certain sense, I said to myself: “Let’s try, let’s put our best effort into it and see how it goes” ».
And it went well: last year the first bronze in the World Cup, do you feel the pressure of being a hope of the blue sport?
«I would say no, even if it is still a responsibility. I don’t know if things will change in the future, at the moment I’m pretty calm. Thanks also to the people around me ».
Do you hear the words of anyone in particular?
“Let Moelgg (38 years old) that Razzoli (36) gave me important advice. But I’m lucky enough to be a person who knows what he wants: I set myself a goal and do everything I can to achieve it ».
Including sacrifices, and as a teenager it is not easy.
«Of course, going out with friends is fantastic, but skiing has never been a sacrifice for me. Indeed, in cases like these you end up appreciating your free time more ».
Speaking of free time, what do you like to do when you’re not skiing?
“Play ping-pong. Then, when the weather permits, I take long walks: in Vallunga, for example, I am very attached to my land ».
Yet sport often takes her around the world. What do you miss about South Tyrol when you are away?
«Italian food is unique. When I’m in hotels, I happen to crumble other people’s dishes: well, I can say that I’ve never seen dumplings like the ones we make. In fact, I never took them. ‘
Apart from dumplings, what is never missing in Vinatzer’s suitcase?
“I have no particular lucky charms. Rather, I must remember to put all the sports equipment on: once I showed up with two left shoes, I found a right one in extremis ».
Have you ever thought about giving up sport? Maybe after an injury or a black spell.
“Absolutely not. Luckily I have never had to face serious physical problems, even if I have recovered from an annoying appendicitis ».
How do you feel in view of the two stages between Alto Adige and Trentino of CdM?
«These are special races for me and I want to do well, even if I am not in top condition after the intervention. I don’t set myself a specific goal, but I’m aiming for a good result ».
Do you ever think about the 2026 Italian Winter Olympics?
“Every time I hear someone talking about it, the dream lights up inside me. There are still more than five years to go, there are many: but the Games are still a good motivation. In the meantime, I am thinking of the Cortina World Cup ».
One step at a time, building the future.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
