Roland Filehner denounces: That's why the Olympics didn't work

With s+, the 41-year-old analyzes what happened again and at the same time provides information about his next plans.

Where are we bothering you right now?

Roland Fischller: “Nothing at all. I’m in the process of putting up a larch board fence here on my pastures in Funes.”

I Your teammates Aaron March, Edwin Coratti & Co. are currently in Livigno, training on snow. Why aren't you there?

“The conditions are no longer good enough for it to be of much use. It works for an hour in the morning, but then the snow becomes so soft that it's of little use. I also recently suffered from lumbago. It's pulling down my back and I'm currently tense to the point where I can't anymore. That's why I had to skip the Italian championship before Easter. I’m currently undergoing therapy with Thomas Januth in Meran, and there’s nothing more than cycling training and walks.”

A consequence of your age?

“Of course there’s always a pinch somewhere when you’re 41. But I assume that this was a result of all the stress after an unusual season that, in addition to the racing and training slopes, took a lot more energy than was good. At some point my body just went on strike.” “I received no information, no help, no moral support from the trainers.” Roland Fischller What do you mean by “the stress away from the racing and training slopes”?

“Our training work last season was not focused on quality, but rather one compromise followed the next. As a team of 11 athletes (7 men, 4 women), we were clearly too big; far too many trivialities had to be taken into account. That cost time and nerves. And in the end it was one of the reasons why I only managed fourth place at the Olympics.”

Looking back on February 8, 2022: It should have been the fulfillment of your lifelong sporting dream. Everything went according to plan until the semi-finals...

“I have been working towards this day X for years. After all, I didn't have 6 days and 6 medal chances like Doro Wierer. We alpine snowboarders only have one chance to win precious metal in the parallel giant slalom. The fact is that I ran out of energy in the semi-final against Benjamin Karl. I was completely blue in the third-to-last goal. But that wasn't surprising on a run that was 40 seconds long. We previously trained on runs that were 25 seconds long. This is not optimal preparation.” Alexander Payer (right), here against Roland Fiwickeler. © ANSA / MAXIM SHIPENKOV

And further?

“Of course the disappointment after the exit in the semi-finals was huge. But there was still another run in the fight for bronze. And nothing against Vic Wild – but normally I should have won this thing easily. Only: I received no information, no help, no moral support from the trainers. At that moment they were even more devastated than I was that I couldn’t compete for Olympic gold.”

You must have mentioned this?

“I certainly did, I even wrote a three-page feedback. Only: I haven't received an answer yet. One of the trainers also announced that he would be at my house for a discussion during Holy Week. But I'm still waiting for him to come today. And now it’s a week later.”

What is currently on your mind?

“I have some awesome snowboards in the garage. Board sports are my passion. But it seems to me that some in our team think that the old donkey should keep quiet. Maybe some people hope I won't. It goes against the grain that so much is improvised. There is hardly any planning. If everything stays the same, then I will have to think of new ways. Next year we will have 13 people on the World Cup team (9 men, 4 women, editor's note). This is far too large a group for you to be able to work intelligently.” “The fact is that I will no longer compete in any races in Russia, if there are any scheduled.” Roland Fischller What does that mean?

“Last year we often didn’t even train at the state squad level. I'm now waiting to see what program racing director Cesare Pisoni presents. For me the only option is to train in a very small group. In 2014 we only had Erich PramSoler as a coach, plus the skiman. Now there are more than a handful of coaches. That’s why we haven’t become any more efficient.”

And if your expectations are not met?

“There are alternative plans that are currently not ready for decision. The fact is that I give 120 percent to every training session. It can’t be the case that only 80 percent come from the coaching side.”

You're 41. Will you just think from season to season from now on?

“Despite minor aches and pains, my body is still very resilient. I am convinced that 70 percent of the strength is in the head, 20 percent in the body and 10 percent in the material. That’s why I don’t have to hide for a long time.”

But it won't be enough until the home Olympics in 2026, right?

“2026 is definitely an issue. The fact is that I won't be taking part in any more races in Russia, if there are any scheduled there. If there are only 7 or 8 World Cup races next year, then that won't be a big burden. It's quite possible that I'll bridge two years somehow and then attack again for another two years until the 2 Olympics."

Interview: Andreas Vieider

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Roland Filehner denounces: That's why the Olympics didn't work

It's still an open wound. A pain that will probably stay with him for the rest of his life. We're talking about February 8, 2022. It was the day on which Roland Filehner narrowly missed out on the Olympic medal in fourth place.

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