So now we've seen rain, sun and rain again. We got through the first difficult period with our exact planning. As soon as it got better we were ready to go and delivered some excellent races, especially the men's downhill which probably was a surprise to some. I have great respect for the medal winners and all the racers here. What's even more impressive is the motivation of the volunteers and workers on the course. They have put in a shift after shift for close to three weeks now. And I cannot forget my team of Helmut and Hans who are the mans in charge of the hill preparation and the entire teams of workers. Chapeau to all - we could not have done it without them!
I have seen some first TV viewer figures: they are really really good! In Germany they have set new records. The same thing in the USA. And the success of the Americans is great for our sport here in North America. It speaks of a great interest in our sport. And it is good for our future because there is such tough competition for viewers and fans among all the sports and so many other freetime activities. That is why it was good to bring ski cross into the Games. It presents a completely new dimension of Alpine ski racing to the big audiences. I think it is a very interesting new event. Like our recent city events it opens up new options for our future and adds some fresh air. That is what we need, together with our Classics, to attract the young people between 16-30 to our sport. I think the right mix is the key. Just following the boom would be wrong, exactly like just standing still. We need to use these new elements with our professional race series which is and remains our core. And add to that our best athlete ambassadors like Lindsey and Aksel who both are doing great promotion for the sport and helping it grow. Overall we can be quite happy with where we are. So now, let's just get the final slalom done!
Author: Guenter Hujara
New winds and our core
I have seen some first TV viewer figures: they are really really good! In Germany they have set new records. The same thing in the USA. And the success of the Americans is great for our sport here in North America. It speaks of a great interest in our sport. And it is good for our future because there is such tough competition for viewers and fans among all the sports and so many other freetime activities. That is why it was good to bring ski cross into the Games. It presents a completely new dimension of Alpine ski racing to the big audiences. I think it is a very interesting new event. Like our recent city events it opens up new options for our future and adds some fresh air. That is what we need, together with our Classics, to attract the young people between 16-30 to our sport. I think the right mix is the key. Just following the boom would be wrong, exactly like just standing still. We need to use these new elements with our professional race series which is and remains our core. And add to that our best athlete ambassadors like Lindsey and Aksel who both are doing great promotion for the sport and helping it grow. Overall we can be quite happy with where we are. So now, let's just get the final slalom done!