Riccardo Tonetti: “The 2026 Olympics is a big topic for me”

Your tenth World Cup season has ended. Have you already drawn a final conclusion?

Riccardo Tonetti: “I'm not entirely happy with the season, it was very difficult for me. In some races I did very well in the first run, but then didn't make it to the finish in the second run, or only made big mistakes. Because of this and the quota system, we unfortunately didn't qualify for the Olympics. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward and will attack again next season.”

How do you deal with the setbacks mentioned?

“Although defeat is always difficult to accept, I always try to look forward positively. I take the best from the races and incorporate it into the next ones.”

Where do you get your motivation? Do you have a secret about this?

“When I look back, I'm actually very happy with the successes I've achieved in the past. I get to really enjoy life as an athlete and I really enjoy it. That alone serves as motivation and drive for me. I have my future goals clearly in mind and will do everything I can to achieve success.”

“I advise my children to try out several sports.” Riccardo Tonetti

Have you set the 2026 Olympics as a long-term goal? “The Olympics have been a big dream for me since childhood. I fulfilled my dream and was able to be there in 2018. At the beginning I was even on course for a medal, but in the end my performance wasn't enough. Unfortunately I couldn't be there this year, so the 2026 Olympics is a big topic for me. If the results are good and I’m physically fit, I would of course like to be there.”

You talked about your childhood: As a young athlete you were regularly in the Senales valley, today the Alpin Arena in the Vinschger side valley adorns your helmet. Is there a special connection? “I have been an ambassador for a few years and have actually been training on the Senales Glacier since I was a child. With the Leo-Gurschler slope you have ideal training conditions there – especially with regard to the race in Sölden.”

What does Riccardo Tonetti do when he's not skiing? “When I'm not skiing, I look after my two small children and then try to spend a lot of time with my family. In my free time I also like to go cycling or play tennis. As a South Tyrolean, you of course also like to be out in the mountains.”

Her children are one and four years old. What advice would you give them if they also wanted to become professional athletes? “I would advise my children to try out several sports. Once you've seen a lot, you can only decide what you like best. You have to be determined and work hard, but you also have to always enjoy the sport and have a little bit of luck if you want to be successful in the long term.”

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Riccardo Tonetti: “The 2026 Olympics is a big topic for me”

The World Cup winter 2021/22 is over. So it's time for Riccardo Tonetti to sit back, switch off from skiing and at the same time define new goals. The 32-year-old from Bolzano also found time for the following interview.

Suggestions

Comments (0)