Complicated plan for Sofia Goggia

Austrian songwriters have a good feel for popular songs. Who doesn't know the song about happiness on the slopes? “Schifoan is the leinwuandste…” Wolfgang Ambros intoned it. Well, it's dialect, somehow, and it means that it can be great luck when the ski, willingly obeying whoever is standing on it, cuts through the winter landscape in fine powder snow. Of course, the base required for this was previously smoothed by powerful snow groomers to an area without any annoying humps. Exactly what the alpine elite should find when they go hunting for World Cup points and prize money. In the fresh mountain air, no one thinks about Covid-19 and the latest variants. Especially not in Lake Louise, where the women are currently staying and where Sofia Goggia, Federica Brignone, Nadia Delago and Elena Curtoni are competing in their first speed race. In front of a fantastic backdrop, admittedly. Behind the hotel where everyone involved is staying (greetings from the bubble), there is a wildly romantic lake. Just as if a mirror had been placed in Banff National Park. A look out of the window is balm for the soul and a rejuvenation treatment for the eyes. However, you have to be careful on the very popular winter hikes, which are almost intrusive next to the brisk turns in the snow, because not all grizzly bears are in hibernation yet. I have experienced it myself that a few of these dangerous fellows actually crossed the track on the racing track. Of course, gamekeepers are careful. Caution is advised. In every respect, which is why there is now a crunch in the ski circus. Because after the races in Canada, the noble winter sports resort of St. Moritz is on the travel plan. It is also beautiful in the Engadin, no question, even though the Alps are rather small hills compared to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. But be careful: it is not yet clear whether the Swiss can and will actually be allowed to welcome the ski elite. Because there is still Corona. The legal situation is clear. After entering Canada, a ten-day quarantine would be on the agenda. For all. This means that the two Super-Gs that are planned would not be possible. Popular sport is being sacrificed The fight behind the scenes is now at least as fierce as on the slopes, because once again the sport claims an exception for itself. As always. The sports organizations simply do not want to recognize what may apply to the general public. They insist on their social importance, which primarily means top-class sport. The base underneath has long been forgotten. No matter where, the word “grassroots sport” is never mentioned. Germany has lost almost a million club members in the last two years of the pandemic. Probably for good, because any disruption caused by measures that have to be taken to fight the virus will only drive people further away from their clubs. From children's sports to senior sports, everything is fallow. Health insurance companies will also feel the effects in a few years. Without movement, a society gradually degenerates. There are no concepts to ensure that sport is still possible for everyone. Nobody cares. Popular sport is being sacrificed, also because it has no lobby. Top sport, on the other hand, which is often a money-printing machine, still has many supporters in politics because it is also opportune to do well with the stars who are honored and revered. Hardly any calendar in international sports has been adapted to the dramatic Corona situation. Everyone is still hoping that no one will slaughter the sacred cows. Keep it up. The Young Boys Bern football club has just received an exemption from the Bern cantonal doctor to be able to return to Switzerland from the Champions League away game at Manchester United next week without quarantine. In St. Moritz we currently have to wait for the relevant approval and are of course hoping for a similar reaction from the authorities after the kickers have been placed. And if not? Then the women skiers would have the wonderful opportunity to stay in Canada to complete the two Super-Gs there. In the days in between, you can recharge your batteries with a walk along Lake Louise with a clear view of the turquoise water and the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. There are worse options.

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Complicated plan for Sofia Goggia

The schedule in the ski circus is wobbling worryingly. Currently, everyone involved in Lake Louise would have to be in quarantine for ten days after entering St. Moritz for the races next week. Our columnist Sigi Heinrich, however, would have nothing against an extended stay in Canada.

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