Rejected ski crosser Thanei: “I’m no longer wanted”

“This news came as a very surprise to me,” explains Thanei. “Of course, at the age of 36 you think about ending your career. But my last season was okay, and the World Championships are on the agenda next winter - that was reason enough for me to stick around for another year. “I made this decision after the end of last season,” said the Burgeiser, who was the most experienced athlete in the Italian ski cross team with 68 World Cup races and is also the reigning Italian champion.

Stefan Thanei (right) is the reigning Italian champion. © Pentaphoto

Thanei continued to train normally and got fit for the new season. But last week the bitter news came that he was no longer needed. “At the beginning of June I picked up the note that plans might be taking place without me. When I got the official confirmation, I was still very surprised.” "The reason? I'm too old" Today, Thanei is particularly angry about the way in which this deportation came about. “If someone had come to me after last season and discussed this matter with me, it would have been okay. However, to date no one responsible has contacted me,” said the Vinschger native. The reason why he is no longer there is his age. “If some young athletes came along, I wouldn’t say anything. That's not the case. In addition, my performance last season was somewhat okay. That’s why it all came as a surprise to me.”

What's next for the ski crosser, who turns 37 in September? “I don't know myself. I've heard that I'm no longer wanted in the national team - no matter how. I will soon be meeting with my sports group, the Carabinieri. They always supported me and were also very surprised when I was booted out,” explains Thanei, who hasn’t given up hope yet. “Of course – the end of my career is near in this situation. But who knows: maybe something can be done after all.”

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Rejected ski crosser Thanei: “I’m no longer wanted”

The news came as a complete surprise - not only for numerous winter sports fans, but also for Stefan Thanei himself. The ski crosser was no longer considered for the squad for the new season. The 36-year-old spoke to SportNews about this unexpected exclusion.

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