Manni Mölgg: “My teammates won’t let me stop”

His family's hotel in St. Vigil is still closed these days s+ But Manfred Mölgg still opens the doors. In an exclusive interview, the man from Enneberg talks about his sporting future, why his role as captain is both a blessing and a curse, how he has recently been playing the team's musical mood and what he answers to people who ask whether he only drives for the money anymore .

Manfred Mölgg, it is said that you recently discovered a very special musical talent.

Mölgg: “Yes, I’ve been playing the pull organ recently.”

Why?

“It has always fascinated me. After I tore my cruciate ligament last January, I started learning the instrument with the help of a music teacher. During the season the pull organ was always stored in my car and on certain occasions I would take it out. When Alex (Vinatzer, editor's note) made it to the podium in Madonna di Campiglio, I played, just like when Luca De Aliprandini won silver. A pull organ like this always brings a good atmosphere. Hopefully I can play a part in getting my own podium finish next year (laughs).”

So you will stay in the ski circus?

“I'm not thinking about quitting. In the last few days we have done the last material tests and I am already looking forward to training. I'll definitely do it for another year. I don’t know what comes next.”

A year ago you tore your cruciate ligament. At 37 years old and with such an outstanding career, you could easily have said “Thank you and hello.” Why did you come back?

“I am often asked why I still do it. Someone just asked me the question whether it was because of finances. I say clearly: No! I just have a huge passion for skiing, challenges excite me, I love training. After the cruciate ligament tear, I thought to myself: That couldn't have been it. If I notice that I can no longer keep up, I would let it go. But I felt that the fire was still burning and that I still had what it took to be at the front – even if it didn’t get any easier.”

“An Olympic medal is certainly what I’m still missing in slalom. That would round out my career.” Manfred Mölgg What is your assessment of the comeback season?

“It was a season with ups and downs. At times I drove quite well, but I didn't always show what I had planned. I ended up in the top 10 twice, which is okay, but not what I actually expect. With all that went around – the torn cruciate ligament and the corona illness shortly before the start of the season – it was a solid season, but I’m not completely satisfied.”

Likes to end the season by going ski touring: Manfred Mölgg.

So is the motto now: Full attack on an Olympic medal in 2022?

“I suffered a lot at the last Olympic Games in 2018. I was fourth in the slalom after the first run, but then made a stupid mistake and fell back. An Olympic medal is certainly what I still need in slalom. That would round out my career.”

You are often referred to as the captain of the slalom team. Is everything really as harmonious as in a real team or does everyone fight for themselves?

“We have a good atmosphere in the team and we often joke around. Of course: We are individual athletes, so everyone fights for themselves. If Alex Vinatzer gives me two tenths, of course I'm not overly happy, but then he's done better and should be in front of me too. I guess I'm called captain because I'm the oldest. But I'm trying to pass on my experience. I have a good feeling with the boys like Alex or Simon (Maurberger).”

In June you will celebrate your 39th birthday. Are you already thinking about what will happen after your career?

“Sure, you’re always thinking about it. But my teammates don't want to let me stop yet (laughs). They say: That's possible and it's not possible. My story isn't finished yet, but I know it will be at some point. I already have a few things in mind about what could happen next. Maybe I'll get my coaching license. We also have a hotel at home, which Sister Manuela currently runs with her parents. It won’t be boring.”

Overall World Cup winner Alexis Pinturault recently said that skiing was too unsexy for TV viewers. Among other things, he threw in the idea of cameras in ski poles.

“That’s certainly a good idea. This year there were already cameras at individual goals and the journey of the forerunners was recorded from behind. But making big changes isn't easy. Let's take the parallel competition as an example: In the last few years things have gone haywire in this discipline, and at the World Cup it was a complete disaster. It's hard to find something to make the World Cup more attractive. You should work with what you have.”

Questions: Thomas Debelyak

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Manni Mölgg: “My teammates won’t let me stop”

He is a veteran of the ski scene and has proven this year that even at 38 years old and having just recovered from a torn cruciate ligament, he can keep up with the best in the world. Manfred Mölgg is a phenomenon - who talks to s+ about the details and provides very special insights.

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