The worries of a speed specialist who never gives up

It's a vexed topic. One that causes a lot of incomprehension and triggers polemics. This refers to the composition of the national teams at the end of the season. Action is not always taken in line with performance. Age often plays a decisive role. Austerity measures or squad downsizing mean that athletes do not get what they actually deserve. Teresa Runggaldier knows this feeling all too well. Last year she was Italy's best, most consistent speed specialist in the European Cup. She still didn't get a place in the national team - although she clearly put other countrywomen of the same age in their place.

“I expected to be included again,” emphasizes Runggaldier, who finished in the top 10 four times, with fourth place being her best result. “But then I heard that resources were scarce and the squads were being kept small. It is like it is. I'm glad I can train with the financial sports group. It is thanks to them that I can still pursue my passion. “We are a great team,” says the native of Val Gardena gratefully.

Complicated preparation Not being part of the national team is a big disadvantage in skiing - especially as a speed specialist, as there are hardly any training opportunities on the few glaciers. “I was never able to train on a downhill run in the summer and only had two days of Super-G training,” she explains. Meanwhile, their opponents in the European Cup were fine-tuning their form and material in Argentina. “It wasn't easy, there was little snow on the glaciers. At least I was able to collect valuable kilometers at a training camp in Saas-Fee at my own expense.” The woman from Val Gardena doesn’t have a service man. Their results from last year are all the more valuable.

The 24-year-old has a clear plan for the coming season. She wants to secure a permanent place in her flagship discipline, the Super-G, in the World Cup through the European Cup. To do this, she must be in the top three of the discipline rankings at the end of the season. “With my age and my experience, I have to aim to always be at the forefront. I have a bit of difficulty on the easier routes in the European Cup. I have to improve in the flat sections if I want to compete in the World Cup,” says Runggaldier. In Cortina d'Ampezzo last year she was able to take part in a downhill run in the premier ski class twice. She was denied points.

“My goal is to compete in the Super-G World Cup. There is a lot of density in this discipline in Italy. “It would be all the more important if I could secure a permanent place for next season,” says Peter Runggaldier’s daughter. Their initial focus is on internal qualification in order to take part in the speed opener in Cervinia on November 18th and 19th. These are the first descents that Runggaldier is skiing this season. She is aware of the competitive disadvantage, but she still believes in her chance - and rightly so.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Hockey

Tennis

Winter sports

Learn More

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

The worries of a speed specialist who never gives up

She was the best speed lady from Italy in the European Cup last season - and yet she is not part of the national team. Sounds absurd, but it is true. However, Teresa Runggaldier does not give up and sets ambitious goals despite many obstacles.

Comments (0)