Austrian ski ace and her boyfriend.

First love whirl, then expulsion from ski team

The Austrian Ski Association recently announced its squad for the new season. One prominent name is missing.

07 May 2025

From: det

In mid-December 2023 – a year and a half ago – Franziska Gritsch caused quite a stir in the skiing world. However, this was not so much for sporting reasons, but rather for personal reasons. The Austrian revealed her love secret at the time and announced that she was in a relationship with her coach, Florian Stengg.

The news caused quite a stir – and also had consequences for the two of them. Gritsch and her boyfriend Stengg were no longer part of the team, but instead worked as a private team. At the same time, Gritsch remained an ÖSV squad athlete and was nominated for World Cup races.

Franziska Gritsch, alpine ski racer from Austria. © APA / EXPA/JOHANN GRODER

But that's now changing. This week, the Austrian Ski Association announced its squad for the new season, and Franziska Gritsch's name is missing. The 28-year-old has been eliminated, which isn't entirely surprising, as the five-time podium finisher has recently struggled with a sporting slump and experienced numerous disappointments.

Gritsch is self-critical

“My performance was simply not sufficient,” Gritsch told the Kronenzeitung. To explain: Only those who rank among the top 30 in a discipline in the World Cup are guaranteed a spot in the Austrian squad. Otherwise, the coaches decide. And they decided against Gritsch (she was 31st in the slalom).

Gritsch wants to attack again. © ANSA / CHRISTIAN BRUNA

The Austrian doesn't see the problem with her private team and friend Florian Stengg. "The project itself isn't the problem. Flo is doing an incredibly good job and supporting me wherever he can – I have to get it done myself, but it would be no different with the federation. There are no excuses."

What's next for Gritsch? She no longer has a guaranteed starting spot in the World Cup, but must qualify for the races through qualifying runs. "I hope for fair qualifying runs. Then I'll take my chance," says Gritsch.