The starting number as an omen: Stefan Babinsky has finished fourth four times recently. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

Austria's "eternal fourth" Babinsky: "It's about 1, 2, 3"

Stefan Babinsky needed patience for this special moment. Six years after his World Cup debut, the speed specialist finally made it onto the podium for the first time in his skiing career, finishing second.

16 January 2026

From: apa/sn

“The last few years have been a fight. I never gave up and was always convinced that I had what it takes,” said Babinsky in the finish area of ​​the Lauberhorn races. “It’s extremely beautiful. Especially in Wengen, a beautiful place, a classic.”

Four times previously he had come close to the podium, finishing fourth in the World Cup. "In racing, it's about 1, 2, 3, it's about the podium. But the fourth places were just as good. They motivated me to try and avoid another fourth place," explained Babinsky, who is currently in... Super-G on Friday only went to the Italian debutant Giovanni Franzoni. had to admit defeat by 0,35 seconds.

Babinsky considers himself privileged.

He had often been criticized by teammates like Vincent Kriechmayr for being too cautious or making one too many crucial mistakes. Now Babinsky could praise his own "brutal run." "I gave it my all, wanted to execute my plan, and I succeeded very well," said the Bremen-born skier from the Murtal region. He considers being a professional skier a "privilege. You have to stay grounded. I get the most out of myself every day."

Super-G podium in Wengen: Stefan Babinsky, Giovanni Franzoni and Franjo von Allmen. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

Whether his first podium finish could be the key to more success, the 29-year-old left open. "We'll see. The important thing is to ski well and not lose the attacking edge. If you want a flawless run, you're 99 percent likely not to be in contention." The former Junior World Championship runner-up intends to demonstrate this same approach in Saturday's downhill. "Everyone starts with a clean slate. We'll come up with a good plan, and I'm looking forward to the race."