The performances at the end of last season invite optimism for Loïc Meillard. And even this small injury before Sölden should not change anything in his objectives.
‘Words fly away, writings remain’, wrote Horace. We could add: the photos also remain. Especially for Loïc Meillard for whom photography is a second passion after skiing. Last season, Meillard reluctantly offered three snapshots. Three images where each time we see him lose a ski, let down by this binding that he himself helped to develop. It was in giant in Sölden and Adelboden, then in downhill training in Wengen.
‘Even the less pleasant photos are part of the story,’ says Meillard. But the Valaisan of Neuchâtel origin does not judge the photos from last season, he looks back at the photos which show him at the end of October on the Rettenbach glacier above Sölden, with a sad look, after realizing that the back pain was too strong to start the opening of the World Cup. Photos taken by his family and in particular by his sister Mélanie.
Find confidence again
The mishap occurred when getting into a car. Examinations at the Hirslanden Clinic in Zurich revealed a tear in the covering of the intervertebral disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae. Meillard also says that what he experienced twelve months earlier helped him overcome this new setback. Because the situation is completely new for him. So far, he has been largely spared from serious injuries. His medical file is thin and there is only a meniscus injury suffered eight years ago.
At the same time as he saw his skis come off on their own, the skier from Hérémence lost confidence over the winter. And it took him time to free himself and seek the limit. The search for this self-confidence affected him. ‘It’s tiring and it takes energy,’ he admits. A condition that spread until the second half of the season. Because from that moment on, he gave the impression by winning two races, finishing 2nd four times and 3rd once. Results which lifted him to second place overall in the World Cup, behind the untouchable Marco Odermatt.
Able to beat Odermatt
More serene, Loïc Meillard does not panic after this back injury which is healing properly. However, there is no question of rushing, even if he hopes to participate in the first slalom of the Winter World Cup, Sunday in Levi. Meillard views his first short turns after his injury as a step in the right direction. ‘I will only start if I no longer feel pain between the gates during training,’ he confides. One day at a time, that is his mantra. Same thing for his potential duel with Odermatt for the big globe. And this despite the fact that the superstar has dubbed Meillard as his most serious rival.
The immense shadow of the Nidwalden prodigy does not seem to bother the Hérémence skier: ‘I practice this sport because I want to, because I love it, because I adore it. It’s important to me.’ Meillard focuses on one race at a time. ‘If I’m in front every time, I’ll definitely be well placed overall,’ he slips. The challenge is great, but Meillard accepts it. Beat Odermatt? He feels capable of it. ‘As an athlete, you believe in your chances,’ he confides. This is why we train in summer and winter. Even if we are friends, when I am at the start, Marco is an opponent like the others.’
The descent will wait
Like Odermatt, Meillard is among the best in three disciplines: giant, slalom and Super-G. What about the descent? ‘When I have achieved my slalom goals or need a new challenge.’ The Valaisan of Neuchâtel origin wants to win the discipline’s globe and a medal at a major event.
Labeled a ‘beautiful skier’, Meillard now seeks efficiency by being more aggressive. ‘For two years, I have been working on attacking the doors in a more direct way,’ he concludes.
/ATS
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