At 41, Italian skier Christof Innerhofer remains a competitive force in the Ski World Cup, securing 10th place in the recent Wengen downhill. In an interview, he expresses unwavering commitment to his sport and dreams of a fifth Olympic appearance. Innerhofer credits his longevity to intense personal training and a deep passion for skiing.
Christof Innerhofer, one of the oldest competitors in the Ski World Cup, recently finished 10th in the downhill event in Wengen, Switzerland, starting with bib number 37. This result follows his sixth-place finish in Val Gardena/Gröden, signaling a resurgence in form. The Italian veteran, who has amassed two Olympic medals and three World Championship medals over his career, spoke candidly about his motivations in an interview with blue News.
"My form is better than it has been for many years," Innerhofer said, attributing his performance to intimate knowledge of the Wengen course. He acknowledged the challenges of late starting positions but remains optimistic: "If I had been able to get on the track today with an early start number, I would have come very close to the podium."
Despite not reaching a podium since over seven years ago, Innerhofer views skiing as an addiction. "The greatest privilege is doing what you love most 365 days a year," he explained. To stay competitive, he trains solo on the Stelvio Pass during summer months when peers vacation, waxing six pairs of skis daily. "No effort is too great for me to continue to make everything possible," he added.
Innerhofer faces stiff competition within Italy's speed team but is undeterred in his pursuit of a fifth Olympics. "I won't stop until I make the breakthrough again," he affirmed. Fans' enduring support fuels him; one encounter last year nearly brought him to tears, highlighting his lasting popularity.
Reflecting on age, Innerhofer noted how perceptions have evolved. He recalled Paul Accola's 10th place at 36 in Kitzbühel being called unbelievable, yet at 41, he matches that achievement. Training alongside younger teammates like 24-year-old winner Giovanni Franzoni keeps him energized, even as he jokes about generational gaps with colleagues like Dominik Paris.
