Things are simmering in the US ski team: “A delusion”

In a three-page letter, which is on the portal Ski racing media was published, Bennett, who has 88 World Cup starts and numerous top 10 placements in his career, openly addresses problems. He protects his own federation, attacks those who say they receive too little support from the latter and highlights how difficult it is to establish yourself in the World Cup. College as a career barrier Bennett first makes it clear that no one forced him to write the letter: “This in no way corresponds to the position of the US ski team, this is my opinion,” says the 27-year-old, whose tenor is spread across the entire three pages is the same.

„Als Kind war ich fest entschlossen, im Weltcup Rennen zu fahren, und nichts sollte dem im Wege stehen. Für mich bedeutete das, dass ich vorübergehend das Streben nach Bildung opfern musste. Im Skisport gibt es ein kleines Zeitfenster, um Weltcup-Erfolge zu erzielen. Also war meine beste Option zu dieser Zeit das Skifahren, und zwar nur das Skifahren“, meint Bennett. Er rate niemanden von einem College-Besuch ab und behauptet auch nicht, dass das Skifahren nach dem Abschluss unmöglich ist. Jedoch ist er Meinung, dass „wenn man aufs College geht, es man sich sich selbst schwerer macht“. The big differences Bennett says: “Fast skiing in an easy UNI race in Big Sky Montana does not compare to the World Cup in Adelboden. These are two completely different sports. I can’t emphasize this often enough: If you believe that winning a NorAm (the equivalent of the domestic European Cup, editor’s note) will lead to a World Cup victory, you are delusional.”

The Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek is one of the most challenging routes. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Sean M. Haffey

Bennett said ski clubs, coaches, parents, athletes and fans don't understand how difficult World Cup racing actually is. “Sixty athletes competing in World Cup races would dominate NorAm races,” claims the American, who also says that the majority of Americans are “amateurs” when it comes to the material. “But it’s not just your fault. If you ever get a chance to watch a World Cup race, stand on the edge of the slopes and tell me it's comparable to the NCAA Championships." Bennett takes the bandage to his defense Dem Speed-Spezialisten bringen auch die ständigen Attacken in Richtung seines Verbandes auf die Palme. „Falls sie es nicht bemerkt haben: Die Basis der finanziellen Unterstützung für diesen Sport ist klein, aber das, was wir erhalten, ist unglaublich. Und die Leute, die das US Ski Team (USST) tatkräftig unterstützen, schlecht zu verkaufen, ist schlicht und einfach ignorant. Diese Attacken auf das USST müssen aufhören. Ich bin der größte Kritiker des Teams, aber ich muss der USST zugestehen: In den letzten drei Jahren hat sich in der Organisation vieles zum Besseren verändert. Sind die Dinge perfekt? Keine Chance, aber zumindest gibt es Bewegung in eine positive Richtung.“

Many athletes who have graduated from college and are now demanding support would have voluntarily put themselves in a worse position. “Complaining about it doesn’t help you or the sport, I can guarantee that. When you're that good you have to prove it, no one is stopping you from skiing fast except yourself. The idea that everyone deserves a chance is simply not true. “30 people get World Cup points, not 100,” says Bennett angrily.

And further: “All this may seem insensitive, but these are the realities of sport. I'm honestly not trying to sell NCAA athletes short. I want you to succeed more than anything, more than myself. I just don't know if you realize the true realities of World Cup racing and how difficult it is to break through from your current position." he emphasizes finally.

Mikaela Shiffrin supports Bennett: “Well put. Thank you for breaking the pattern of athletes constantly lashing out at the federation that supports us. The accusations are getting old and are not helping our sport.”

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Things are simmering in the US ski team: “A delusion”

Bryce Bennett has vented all the frustration that has built up over the last few years in a long letter - and received prominent support from Mikaela Shiffrin.

Suggestions

Comments (0)