Stephanie Venier doesn't mince her words. © APA/afp / KERSTIN JOENSSON

Austrian Ski World Champion loses her temper

Despite the World Cup gold medal, ski star Stephanie Venier not only looks back on the past alpine skiing season with fond memories, but is now even thinking out loud about ending her career.

09 April 2025

From: apa

At the beginning of February, Venier secured World Championship gold in the Super-G in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Nevertheless, the North Tyrolean expressed his disappointment in an interview with Kronen Zeitung She specifically criticized women's head coach Roland Assinger. She confirmed statements made by Tamara Tippler, who had resigned, among others. Venier also hasn't ruled out resigning.

"I can't say if that's it or if I'm continuing. I'm currently in the process of finding out," Venier explained in a double interview with Raphael Haaser, the other ÖSV world champion in the home title competition. The 31-year-old stated that the world championship title was more than she ever dreamed possible. Venier also cited her injured knees as a reason. "Now I'd be healthy out of the sport, and could finish with World Championship gold. I'll come up with a good plan—whether for skiing or for life: I'll need my knees for a while longer."

“That’s how you lose joy” Stephanie Venier

The speed pilot's decision could apparently be helped by the ÖSV's plans with Assinger, who is still contracted for another year. "That will affect the decision – that's how you lose the joy." Specifically, she is concerned about Assinger's often difficult-to-understand and outdated guidelines. She also doesn't like the Carinthian's tone: "It's about the way – if at all – we are communicated with. We're open to criticism, but it's always about the how. When it gets personal, with lots of girls yelling, it hurts."

ÖSV: “There are internal discussions”

In an ÖSV response, it was pointed out that internal discussions had already taken place and would continue. "We are also in direct contact with all of the individuals and groups mentioned in order to gain a comprehensive picture and further develop our structures in a targeted manner," the ÖSV stated. Values ​​such as respect, appreciation, and empathy are central to the association and are continually addressed. "At the same time, we know that we, too, must continually develop in these areas."

Stephanie Venier, Austrian ski world champion. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

The recent feedback has been acknowledged with respect and seriousness. "The well-being of our athletes and coaches is a high priority for us – both in our human interactions and in our daily work at the elite level," they stated. For the ÖSV, performance and respectful interaction are inextricably linked.