Alex Vinatzer could really use some encouraging words from Dominik Paris. © Pentaphoto

Paris cheers Vinatzer up: “It’s hot gossiping”

They were so close to winning a historic medal for the first time together: Dominik Paris and Alex Vinatzer were on course for a podium finish at the Ski World Championships on Wednesday - until the Val Gardena skier messed up and dashed all their hopes. Here Paris reveals what he whispered in his teammate's ear afterwards.

12. February 2025

From Saalbach-Hinterglemm

The first men’s team combination at a World Championship was a total triumph for Switzerland. Franjo von Allmen and Loic Meillard won ahead of two other duos in red and white racing suits. Two South Tyroleans could have broken the Swiss dominance.

Dominik Paris finished third in the downhill, putting Vinatzer on course for a medal. The newly crowned world champion in the team competition was unable to hold on to this lead, however. He lost a lot of time and finally got tangled after the second intermediate time - the dream was over! "The starting position was great, but I didn't find my rhythm on this course for a long time. When I then wanted to try to risk a little more, I got tangled straight away. That really annoys me," Vinatzer analyzed in the finish area.

Alex Vinatzer slipped into the finish completely dejected. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

Vinatzer then revealed that his teammate Paris had given him some valuable tips before his run. "He called me and told me to take a good look and then take a full risk. I tried, but it just didn't work."

“Domme told me to take a good look and take a risk” Alex Vinatzer

While six Swiss riders celebrated their podium triple in the background, Paris gave Vinatzer an encouraging pat on the shoulder. He then walked to the SportNews-Microphone. "You could see that he was trying to accelerate. Things like that happen quickly in a slalom. But that's how it is in a team competition: sometimes one makes a mistake, sometimes the other."

Listen to the entire audio interview with Dominik Paris here:


For Paris, the World Championships are over. After ten intense days in which he came close to a medal several times, he went straight to the SportNewsAfter a short conversation, he got into the car and started the journey home. "A few days' vacation, then the focus will be on the races in Crans Montana," said the Ultner. For Vinatzer, however, it's only half time. Whether his rollercoaster of emotions will continue with a successful experience in the giant slalom will be seen on Friday.