Perathoner after resignation: “In hindsight you are smarter”

A comeback as a professional snowboarder won't work anymore. What has been in the air for some time has been official since yesterday evening: Emanuel Perathoner has to end his career.

On Tuesday, the 36-year-old, who competed in his last World Cup race in Veysonnaz on March 13, 2020, announced his retirement ( SportNews berichtete ). With him, the South Tyrolean snowboard scene has lost its second world-class professional alongside Omar Visintin. Here the Spaniard by choice - he is married to his Belen in Pamplona - talks about developments in the last few months.

For a long time you left the possibility of returning to the boardercross circus open. In the end it wasn't enough. Why?

Emanuel Perathoner: I was on crutches for almost 18 months. The tibial head was so crumbled that it could no longer be restored despite two operations with screws and plates. In April 2022 I decided to have a knee prosthesis inserted. This made things significantly better, but it was no longer enough to practice high-performance sports. At least I was able to finally ditch the crutches at my wedding in August. In retrospect, it would have been smarter if I had had a prosthesis like this inserted straight away. But you're always smarter in hindsight.

Emanuel Perathoner has recently spent more time in the hospital bed than on the slopes. © Leo Holzknecht / Emanuel Perathoner

How great is the melancholy?

I did everything after January 14, 2021, when I fell during training in Cervinia. I did endless physical therapy. Nevertheless, I was dependent on crutches for 18 months. This was no longer life. Now I'm glad there's a closure.

“I try to stay positive and look forward.” Emanuel Perathoner

Do you often think back to that January 14, 2021?

Of course it was bitter. But it happened, I classify it as an occupational hazard. Something like this can happen with every jump, in every curve, but also when going for a walk. I don't struggle with it, there are worse things. That's why I don't fall into depression now. I try to stay positive and look forward.

What is the future?

I have to reposition myself professionally. I will be released from the military sports group because I am no longer an athlete. I could stay there and work in the office. I am a certified snowboard instructor and have also passed the first level of the trainer exam. So there are some options.

Could you imagine revitalizing the boardercross discipline, which has been completely abandoned in South Tyrol?

There have already been loose discussions with state squad coach Gert Ausserdorfer. In terms of time and organization, he doesn't have time to look at the boardercrossers in addition to the young talent. It would generally be an interesting option.

You won World Championship bronze in 2019 and won the small crystal ball in the team event with Omar Visintin in 2017 and 2018. Were these your greatest successes?

Bottom line, yes. I joined the national team as a parallel snowboarder. But that was too boring for me. On January 29th, 2003 I celebrated my World Cup debut at the Boardercross in San Candido. I came 14th straight away and from then on I focused on this discipline. I loved her with all my heart and enjoyed every race.

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Perathoner after resignation: “In hindsight you are smarter”

Emanuel Perathoner, one of South Tyrol's best snowboarders, ended his career on Tuesday. He talks to us about a fatal fall, sadness, successes and job options.

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