Olympic Debut: Ski Aerialist Weiß Relies on Love for God - Emma Weiß Defies Financial Odds to Chase Olympic Aerial Skiing Glory
Emma Weiß is set to compete in her second Winter Olympics as Germany's only aerial skier. The 25-year-old currently sits 13th in the World Cup standings but faces a tough financial challenge to fund her season.
Her journey has been shaped by both athletic determination and a personal spiritual experience that reshaped her outlook on life and sport.
Aerials is one of the most demanding finance events. Athletes launch off a steep ramp, performing multiple flips and twists before landing. Judges assess takeoff, trick execution, and landing, with higher scores awarded for difficulty and precision.
Weiß missed qualification for the 2022 Beijing Olympics but has now secured her place in the upcoming Games. Despite her progress, she carries much of the financial burden herself. A single season in aerials costs around €70,000, most of which she funds independently.
Support from Sporthilfe helps, but it covers only a small part of her expenses. While funding for German freestyle skiers has risen by 15% over the past five years—from €2.8 million to €3.2 million annually—it remains far below disciplines like biathlon (€12 million) and cross-country skiing (€8 million), which benefit from stronger Olympic success.
Weiß has spoken openly about a spiritual encounter at Pentecost that deepened her faith. This experience has influenced her approach to competition and public platform, adding a personal dimension to her athletic career.
Weiß will compete in the Olympics without full financial backing from national bodies. Her performance in the Games will be a test of skill and resilience, both on and off the snow.
The event also highlights the funding gap for lesser-known winter sports, where athletes often rely on personal resources to chase Olympic dreams.
