Straßer gets support as kernen slams olympics ceremony
Linus straßer receives backing after olympic ceremony criticism
Former downhill world champion Bruno Kernen has voiced strong criticism of the atmosphere at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, indirectly supporting German skier Linus Straßer, who previously criticized the event's organization. Straßer echoed concerns raised by other skiers like Johannes Lamparter and Marco Odermatt regarding the lack of atmosphere in Bormio. Kernen specifically targeted the award ceremonies, deeming them "almost disrespectful."
Straßer's critique of olympic experience
Linus Straßer described the overall Olympic experience as "simply not good," highlighting the distance between fans and the competition venues. He contrasted the sterile environment with the emotional atmosphere of events in Kitzbühel. "As an athlete, I want to experience emotions. I want to experience that with them," Straßer stated to Eurosport. The 33-year-old’s comments resonate with other skiers who felt the games lacked the traditional Olympic spirit.
Kernen's disapproval of award ceremonies
Bruno Kernen, a 1997 downhill world champion, expressed his shock at the Olympic award ceremonies, stating they were "not worthy of the Olympics and, in my opinion, almost disrespectful to the athletes." He suggested that ski clubs could organize more dignified ceremonies, drawing comparisons to award ceremonies in prestigious locations like Wengen and Kitzbühel. Kernen attended the bronze medal ceremony for the Swiss cross-country skiers Nadja Kälin and Nadine Fähndrich and felt disillusioned by the overall presentation.
Echoes of discontent from other skiers
Marco Odermatt shared similar sentiments, noting that even the Beijing Olympics had a stronger Olympic feel. Daniela Maier, the reigning ski cross Olympic champion, echoed Straßer’s sentiments regarding the distance between athletes and fans. "It was a very, very shame that there was such a distance to the fans," she said after winning gold. The lack of a traditional Medal Plaza ceremony further underscored the concerns.
Swiss ski federation addresses ioc
According to reports, the Swiss Ski Federation has already approached the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reinstate the traditional evening medal ceremonies for the Milan-Cortina 2030 Olympics. This move indicates a collective desire among athletes and national federations to preserve the traditional aspects of the Olympic experience.
The state of alpine skiing at milan-cortina 2026
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics have faced challenges in fostering a vibrant atmosphere, particularly for the alpine skiing events held in Bormio, approximately 300 kilometers from the main Olympic venues in Cortina d’Ampezzo. This geographical separation contributed to a perceived lack of Olympic spirit and fan engagement. The concerns raised by skiers like Straßer and the criticism from Kernen highlight the need for improvements in event organization.