Consulted on the draft directive by the Commission.
In the world of high-performance sports, disagreements are bound to occur, and the skiing community is no exception. The Austrian ski team, under the leadership of Sports Director Roland Assinger, has been embroiled in a series of debates, with some team members publicly criticising Assinger's strict approach and communication style.
One of the most vocal critics is Conny Hütter, the 2023/24 Downhill World Cup winner. Despite their differences, Hütter remains a part of the team, indicating his commitment to the team's performance and strategy. The ski association, it seems, still stands behind Assinger, with Sports Director Mario Stecher confirming that the disagreements are being handled internally.
The debates have not been limited to Hütter alone. Venier, who won a gold and a bronze medal at the home World Championships in Saalbach, and Tippler have also raised concerns about Assinger's tone. However, Assinger uses Venier's successes at the same championships as evidence that his methods work.
Brunner had also raised concerns about the training methods in the technical team, but the ongoing discussions do not seem to have affected the team's overall performance or commitment to Assinger's methods, as evidenced by his continued employment. The internal resolution of disagreements suggests a focus on maintaining team cohesion and performance, despite any conflicts that may arise.
Assinger, for his part, has expressed surprise at the public criticism of his work. He stands by his training methods and communication style, asserting that his strict approach is necessary for high-performance sports. The internal discussions between team members and Assinger are a result of the nature of high-performance sports, where not everyone may always agree.
The contract between the ski association and Roland Assinger will run until the end of the 2025/26 Olympic season, providing ample time for the team to continue its journey towards glory, with the debates serving as a testament to the passion and dedication of its members.
