Marco Odermatt secured bronze in the Olympic Super-G, but the Swiss star had his sights set higher in Milan-Cortina.
The 28-year-old from Nidwalden delivered a strong performance in the Olympic Super-G but had to settle for third place on the podium. After crossing the finish line, Odermatt provided insight into where he lost crucial time and why he believed a gold medal was within reach despite the challenging conditions.
Starting with bib number 10, Odermatt faced a course that had already been shaped by nine previous competitors. The Swiss skier acknowledged that the start number played a role in his race, though he remained philosophical about the circumstances. "The course conditions change as more athletes ski down," Odermatt explained, noting that later starters often face a more rutted and challenging surface.
Critical Sections Cost Precious Time
Odermatt identified specific sections where he lost the tenths of a second that separated him from gold. The steep section of the course proved particularly demanding, requiring perfect technique and line choice. "In the steep part, I couldn't maintain the speed I needed," the reigning overall World Cup champion admitted. Small errors in such technical sections can cost significant time in Alpine Skiing, where races are often decided by hundredths of a second.
Despite the technical challenges, Odermatt's bronze medal adds another Olympic medal to Switzerland's collection at the Milan-Cortina Games. The result demonstrates the depth of competition in men's Super-G, where multiple athletes are capable of winning on any given day.
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For Odermatt, who has dominated the World Cup circuit in recent seasons, the bronze medal represents both an achievement and a missed opportunity. The Swiss skier entered the Olympics as one of the favorites across multiple disciplines, making expectations particularly high. However, he maintained a positive perspective on his performance, recognizing that Olympic medals of any color are significant accomplishments.
The Super-G result sets the stage for Odermatt's remaining events at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, where he will have additional opportunities to add to his medal collection. His analysis of the race and willingness to discuss where time was lost shows the meticulous approach that has made him one of the sport's most consistent performers.
