Resignation and criticism: That's what world champion Alex Gruber says

Alex Gruber has won everything there is to win in the sport of natural track tobogganing. In 2017 he won World Cup gold for the first time and in 2019 he defended his title. Last weekend in Deutschnofen, on “his” Pfösl-Riep track, where he had already celebrated 6 World Cup victories, he won the world title again - and then completely unexpectedly announced the end of his career. A few days later, Gruber was interviewed in Questions and Answers.

Over, over and over: when did you make this decision?

“The considerations were already there at the beginning of the season. Over the course of the season I became comfortable with the idea of ending my career this year and decided to announce this after the World Cup, regardless of the title or not.”

What were the reasons?

“First and foremost, the tiresome topic of the Olympics. All the setbacks that our sport has had to endure in recent years are without a doubt the main reason. I love the sport itself. And I also enjoy it, so I could continue tobogganing for years. But when you see the obstacles put in your way by the international luge federation FIL, you lose motivation. Finally, we were given a vice president that the natural railway representatives didn't want.

Note: The Romanian Sorin Buta, who is considered the artificial track representative, was given preference over Leander Moroder from Val Gardena in the FIL elections in summer 2022 and is now responsible for the natural track sector in the international association.

In my opinion, the FIL often works specifically against natural track sports. Over the last few years I have seen how much that was built was destroyed again. That disappoints. The toboggan association is not doing enough to make the sport more international.”

They celebrated numerous successes. The most beautiful was?

“Without thinking twice, this was the World Cup title last weekend in Deutschnofen. It was a thriller, hard-fought and hard-earned. And finally the satisfaction of being able to retire as world champion. That's beautiful, that's wonderful. Of course, every World Cup victory and the overall World Cup last year was a great success. But I put the world titles above that.”

Alex Gruber is happy about his 3rd world title. © Miriam Jennewein

The World Cup finals are coming up in Umhausen these days, there are still 2 stages to complete. Excitement is guaranteed in the overall World Cup, you lead with 415 points ahead of North Tyrolean Thomas Kammerlander, who is also ending his career after the season. What is inside?

“Of course I want to defend my overall World Cup victory. That is my final big goal. The chances are very good. I was consistent and in a good mood all season long and was at the front of every race. But I don't put much pressure on myself anymore. Doggedness is out of place now. I'm overjoyed with the World Cup title and can leave with a clear conscience. I'll just enjoy the World Cup final in Umhausen. And also use it to say goodbye to my teammates, friends and fans and just say thank you.”

What does the future look like after your career?

“I work as a technical draftsman in my local timber construction company. I will continue here and dedicate myself more to work in the winter for the time being. Until now, the cold season was exclusively dedicated to tobogganing.”

Will you stay involved in tobogganing?

“I am an athlete through and through, I love tobogganing. I definitely want to stay involved in the sport in some capacity. Whether this is as an official or coach, whether in the youth or elite level, I haven't thought about it yet. I let everything happen to me.”

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Resignation and criticism: That's what world champion Alex Gruber says

At the weekend he celebrated his greatest success with the World Cup title. Especially because it is his last World Cup medal. Alex Gruber from Villandro is ending his natural track career at the age of just 30. He doesn't skimp on criticism of the international toboggan association FIL.

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