Alpine skiing: Even in Austria, Marco Odermatt is a “god”

In the streets of Kitzbühel, a group of men attracts attention. Giant bells propped on the shoulder, red caps screwed on the heads: the members of the Marco Odermatt fan club do not go unnoticed in the Tyrolean resort.

This is good: they are advancing into conquered territory. Because, despite the historic rivalry between Austria and Switzerland, local ski fans have real admiration for the Nidwalden. “No matter the nationality, Odermatt is the god!” says Tom.

This White Circus enthusiast, manager of a winter sports store, is racing to qualify the three-time winner of the general classification of the World Cup. “He is the worthy successor to Bode Miller,” continues this Briton established in Kitzbühel and married to a local. Here, everyone loves him. Ask my in-laws, they love it!”

Idolized in Switzerland, Marco Odermatt is also visibly unanimous across borders. And not only because the man with 43 World Cup successes is an exceptional skier. Susanne, a volunteer for the 85th edition of the Hahnenkamm races, appreciates his positive state of mind.

“I like it,” smiles our interlocutor, wrapped up in her big jacket in the colors of the legendary events. He conveys the image of a very kind and modest person in victory. Seems like a really nice guy. It’s a shame he’s not Austrian.”

With a burst of laughter, Susanne walks away onto Hahnenkammstrasse, the street which connects the center of the station to the arrival racket of the formidable Streif. At the foot of it, a few curious people contemplate the slope and immortalize it, a beer in hand. Waiting impatiently for the show to start. With “Odi” in the lead role.

“He’s a really good skier,” says Markus. Plus, he seems friendly. I also find him better than Marcel Hirscher in his time, because he takes part in complicated races like downhills. 30 years ago, it would have bothered me if he was Swiss. Today, it’s not a big deal!”

The comparison with the Austrian, legend of alpine skiing with his eight large crystal globes, comes up regularly in conversations. “He actually reminds me of Hirscher when he was at the top,” says Stephan, between two sales in his ski rental shop. He’s really good and seems like a really cool guy!”

An opinion shared by Tom, well placed with his shop posted at the foot of the Streif. “He’s a phenomenal runner,” he praises, from behind his counter. There is one thing that I particularly like about him, and that Marcel Hirscher never did, and that is that he talks to his fans.

Before revealing an anecdote. “I once saw 30 children waiting for Hirscher and chanting “Marcel, Marcel”. But he didn’t stop, jumped in his car and drove off. Odermatt, you can meet him in the street. He takes his time and takes photos with his fans.”

After four podiums in Kitzbühel, will King “Odi” finally be crowned in lands that are anything but enemies? Response between Friday (super-G, at 11:30 a.m.) and Saturday (downhill, at 11:30 a.m.). The Tyrol station, which was making final preparations on Thursday, is in any case ready to go up in flames.