Pure Motivation

When you were Carlo's youth coach, did you ever think that he would be so successful some day?

They would have called me crazy had I ever claimed that Carlo would one day be world champion, world cup winner and olympic game champion. I was however always sure that he'd make it to the world cup, but even mathematically speaking the chances of being the very best were always small. But you can always dream of it!

Has life changed for the youth club? Have more young talents been practising in Obersaxen since Carlo became famous?

Quite a lot of skiers from the Wisaliteam have found their ways to the wolrd cup. All of those who made it to the top have one thing in common: They gave everything to reach their goals. The successes of our athletes and especially those of Carlo have inspired our trainees and turned them to enthusiastic fans. It is a great pleasure for them to be able to partake in a club with such idols.

Even with all of his victories: What goals should Carlo have?

I am looking forward a lot to a race with a healthy Carlo. He doesn't need to prove anything to us - we know that he can ski. As a person he should stay the way he is. Even though as a professional athlete one obviously has to comply with all the wishes of his fans and the public he should keep his personality, and also be able to show it. Speaking of which: Carlo would actually speak a nice Obersaxer-German accent..!

The youth club Obersaxen is famous for its ambition and it always tries to give the best possibilities to its trainees. Would these conditions be possible somewhere else?

Being a coach for the Ski- and Sportclub Obersaxen I'm just one piece of a bigger picture. This small skiclub grew into a little enterprise that relies on all of the partners involved. We live for our visions and believe that together we can achieve them. This is possible anywhere else, you just have to start doing it.

How has life as a coach changed after Carlo's successes?

I am still very motivated, I take joy from our sporting youth, I feel that I'm still needed and I hope that I can still accomplish many things. IIf, after all this time, I still hadn't produced any success, I wouldI would probably not be in the position I am now. Viewing it that way, Carlo surely is an inspiration to me. And as long as he doesn't consider himself too good to work through a training session with me once or twice, and as long as he stays a Wisali in his heart, everyone would love to be a trainer. It is my privilege to be able to work in Carlo's skiclub.

What has been the greatest moment in Carlos career for you?

I was able to be right beside him in Whistler Mountain, when he became olympic champion in giant slalom. Experiences like these leave a mark in your whole life. That day I was the happiest coach in the world. As a coach your life is built on emotions. I have experienced many nice moments, but have also had to deal with defeats. Fortunately luck has been on my side most of the way and I have seen many great things. So many dreams have come true, and that is - even to this day - hard to believe.