Part 2 | Direct hits & errors: A look back at the 7 ski predictions

Dominik Paris moves up to Gustav Thöni, Marco Odermatt dominates the World Cup and a Norwegian duo returns after setbacks. The SportNews editorial team claimed this and much more at the beginning of the ski season. Now she's putting herself through the process.

1. Paris draws level with Thöni To speak of a mixed season would be presumptuous. Overall, two victories do not live up to the demands of the best domestic downhill skier of all time. Of course, we're talking about Dominik Paris, who didn't exude the splendor of days gone by this year, especially in the Super-G. The 32-year-old now has 21 World Cup victories. A number that many can only dream of, but which is not enough to catch Gustav Thöni. He celebrated 24 successes in his glorious career and thus defended his record in front of the Ultner. But next season it could finally happen.

Dominik Paris has to be patient a little longer. © Pentaphoto

2. Odermatt dominates the overall World Cup It didn't take a clairvoyant to see that the exceptional Swiss talent would win the overall World Cup this year. That's why we don't cover ourselves with glory. The way Odermatt did it was impressive. The 24-year-old triumphed seven times, also took the small ball in the giant slalom and distanced himself from the competition in the overall World Cup by almost 500 points. Aleksander Aamodt Kilde & Co. had no choice but to recognize Odermatt's superiority. A superiority that the Swiss will probably also show in the coming season.

3. Vinatzer fulfills his dreams After last season, there were many signs that the Olympic season would be that of Alex Vinatzer. We were optimistic and believed that the man from Val Gardena would achieve his first World Cup victory in Madonna di Campiglio and the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing. In the end, however, things turned out differently: although the man from Wolkenstein ended up in the top 10 five times, the podium remained a taboo. This meant that he not only fell short of his own expectations, but also those of the skiing nation of Italy. And that despite the fact that he still has one of the fastest swings. Because of this, things can get better again very quickly, especially since Vinatzer is only 22.

Lucas Braathen and Atle Lie McGrath (right) are close friends. © APA / BARBARA GINDL

4. Braathen and McGrath strike back The first real hit: While the two youngsters had difficulties at the start of the season after the injuries they sustained in Adelboden, they have recently found more and more momentum. Braathen climbed the podium four times and wrote one of the most special stories of the winter in Wengen when he raced from 29th place to victory in the slalom. His best friend McGrath also celebrated four top-three results. In contrast to Braathen, who was the same age, he celebrated two victories - namely in the slaloms in Flachau and Courchevel. The competition will have to be careful of these Norwegians in the future.

5. There is no exchange of generations If the South Tyrolean ski fans leave Alex Vinatzer out, they will have to rely on the skills of the experienced skiers if they want to celebrate success. Even in the past season, no up-and-coming talent was able to establish itself permanently in the World Cup. Unfortunately, we were proven right. It is not foreseeable that this will change quickly. Although promising young people are coming from the boot state, they do not come from South Tyrol. We can only hope that Simon Maurberger and Hannes Zingerle, who are no longer very young, will make the final breakthrough - and that the established drivers will hang on for a few more years.

6. The injury debate remains omnipresent Although there were slightly fewer injuries last season compared to previous seasons, the topic too often made the headlines in the ski circus. Victor Muffat-Jeandet saw the most blatant case in the victim role. The Frenchman was injured in the farcical race in Zagreb and therefore missed the Olympic Games in Beijing. Afterwards there was a hail of criticism, which the International Ski Federation FIS took to heart. However, the problem is far from solved, especially among women, where dozens of athletes were once again affected.

7. Mölgg draws a line in the sand It came as no surprise that Manfred Mölgg turned his back on skiing after the Olympic Games after more than two decades. The 39-year-old was given a celebratory farewell in Flachau, which Mölgg will remember forever. The Enneberger had previously shown that he still has what it takes with a 13th place in Wengen. Mölgg, one of the most dazzling characters, is coming on board. In Italy, others must now take on the role of captain and lead the way with the commitment that Mögg exemplified day after day.

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Part 2 | Direct hits & errors: A look back at the 7 ski predictions

Before the start of the last ski season, SportNews was so daring and made seven predictions for the women's and men's World Cups. Now the time has come to check how well we actually managed to look into the crystal ball. The men conclude our two-part series.

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