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Klaus Mayrhofer. Swiss ski fans will often hear this name next winter. The 47-year-old Austrian is the new coach of Wendy Holdener (26). And he has big plans. “Our goal should be to ride the slalom ball. I am convinced that Wendy can win it, ”said Mayrhofer.
This statement alone shows how much you think about the Schwyzerin. After all, American star Mikaela Shiffrin (25) has dominated the discipline for years. The flyer manipulated six of the last eight possible crystal balls, only two passed through her rags, in 2013 due to injury and more recently due to rest after the death of her father Jeff. “Wendy has a chance to attack Shiffrin in slalom,” says Mayrhofer.
“I have a very good feeling”
The man who most recently cared for Eva-Maria Brem (31) has known Holdener for years. «She is very ambitious and determined. I like working with people who are willing to go the hard way, “says Mayrhofer. The Olympic and World Champion returns the compliments: “Klaus is a great guy. I have a very good feeling. A major goal for Holdener remains the first victory in a special slalom. After a total of 24 World Cup podiums, a long time ago.
“Wendy, who has demonstrated her skills so many times and has been on top of the world for many years, is about winning. This naturally creates pressure. It is good to set goals and win. That is the goal of every athlete, also for Wendy ».
“I am a great inventor”
Will the collaboration between Holdener and Mayrhofer pay off? One thing is certain: they both have the same ski wavelength, they are meticulous workers. “That’s right, I am a great manipulator,” confirms Mayrhofer. “In terms of dynamics, you can’t fake it on skis anyway. We will work on subtleties in terms of ski technique, “reveals Mayrhofer. He also says Wendy speeds up and takes risks in her careers. You have to do that to win.
For a total attack with controlled risk due to high stability, Holdener needs training in snow, these are being planned. But even without foot skis, many things are already possible. Holdener has long held weekly conferences with his new coach, primarily via Skype. “We are looking at trips in recent years to see what we have to work on,” says Mayrhofer.
“The decisive factor is mental strength”
Mayrhofer knows very well that the psychological aspect plays an important role in the ski circus. «Technology, material, fitness. Everything is important. Ultimately, the deciding factor is mental strength. In the end it’s like a test at school. When I have learned and practiced enough, I can easily tackle it, ”says Mayrhofer, who, in addition to all the coaching training, also studied mathematics, sports and sports science on a teaching basis. “This is why optimal preparation is so important.”
It can be said immediately: Mayrhofer is convinced that Holdener can start the season optimistically. This bodes well for the coming winter.
