OSV World Title Holder Upholds Assinger Technique
In the world of alpine skiing, the name Roland Assinger has been a subject of debate for some time now. The former Austrian ski racer and coach has faced criticism from female athletes over statements and actions they find problematic. However, one athlete who has publicly expressed support for Assinger is world champion downhill skier Ramona Schmidhofer.
Schmidhofer's comments, made recently, can be seen as a defence of Assinger despite the allegations against him. She appreciates his honesty in telling her that her attitude wasn't sufficient for success, a revelation that proved crucial in her career.
Schmidhofer learned a great deal from Assinger, including the importance of making the most of every day and bringing out the best in herself. However, she acknowledges that Assinger's manner is not always pleasant, a trait she attributes to his direct nature and hatred of lies.
The turning point in Schmidhofer's career came in 2012, during the European Cup, when Assinger provided the guidance that set her on the path to becoming a world champion.
Despite the controversies surrounding Assinger, some athletes have anonymously contacted ORF to reinforce the serious allegations against him. As the debate within the skiing community continues, Schmidhofer's support for Assinger highlights a different perspective, one that values the lessons learned and the success achieved under his guidance.
Schmidhofer's support for Assinger extends beyond the controversies in alpine skiing, as she credits him for revealing her insufficient attitude in hockey, a lesson crucial to her career success. Nevertheless, Schmidhofer acknowledges that Assinger's blunt demeanor in sports can be less than pleasant, a trait she attributes to his disdain for dishonesty.
