South Tyrol's young freestylers have big plans

Freestyle sport – once considered exotic in the winter sports panorama – has developed rapidly over the last decade. Year after year, athletes are making people sit up and take notice with increasingly difficult tricks. “Overcoming obstacles plays a crucial role for us. Without courage, it is impossible to learn new jumps,” explains the 18-year-old Samuel Pattis from Seis. This year he wants to make a fresh start after a bruised foot put him out of action for two months in the previous season. That's why he only took part in three competitions, including the Junior World Championships, where he came 2th in the slopestyle. His wish is to compete in the World Cup for the first time this year.

Samuel Pattis.

The one of the same age Valentin Auer was also at the Junior World Championships in Livigno. "Getting to know all the people, the training, the organization, the opening ceremony - it was a unique experience," enthuses the athlete from St. Johann in Ahrntal. In the summer, the 18-year-old also worked hard on himself away from the steep ramps and narrow rails. "It is essential to do athletic training in order to have good body control. But of course we also spend a lot of time in the Banger Park," emphasizes Auer. These parks are particularly good for working on new tricks, as the landing is provided with air cushions.

Valentin Auer.

The most experienced athlete in the European Cup team is the 21-year-old Niklas Oberrauch. The Rittner is a full-blooded freestyler, but is also studying sports management in Innsbruck. "The two complement each other very well, as many of the topics overlap," explains Oberrauch, who also helps out as a trainer in the freestyle section at Ritten Sport. In the summer, he had the opportunity to train with the A team a few times. "We are like a big family. The best thing is when we go free skiing together. But of course it's great to see how they tackle the big tricks and structure their training. The intensity is very high with them," says Oberrauch, admiringly.

Niklas Oberrauch.

Looking forward to a season that is finally free of complaints Mattia Mersa after having to undergo three shoulder operations within 3 months. "It took me time to get back into it. But physically I no longer have any problems," says the 18-year-old from Corvara happily. Preparations for the new season began for him and his teammates in indoor ski halls. "There you develop a feel for the snow and can work well on the rails," says Mersa, who wants to develop further in the coming winter, show new tricks and, above all, have fun.

Mattia Mersa Date and place of birth: September 2, 2005 in Bruneck Place of residence: Corvara Club: SC Gröden

Niklas Oberrauch Date and place of birth: November 27, 2002 in Bolzano Place of residence: Unterinn am Ritten Club: Ritten Sport

Valentin Auer Date and place of birth: October 21, 2006 in Bruneck Place of residence: St. Johann in Ahrntal Club: Vitamin-F Freestyle Club Bruneck

Samuel Pattis Date and place of birth: April 25, 2006 in Brixen Place of residence: Seis am Schlern Club: SC Gröden

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South Tyrol's young freestylers have big plans

The freestyle elite amazes the masses with tricks that are increasingly more spectacular and difficult. To be able to perform these tricks, courage is a must. A young South Tyrolean quartet is also taking on this challenge on its way to the top.

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