He embodied all France’s hopes after the defeat of Clément Noël and a crazy first round, won with authority. but Steven Amiez was unable to confirm his impressive morning performance on the Bellevarde face. Starting with 32 hundredths of an advantage over the Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen, the French skier fell during the second test of the Val-d’Isère slalom, putting an end to his dreams of a podium, or even coronation, in the Savoyard resort.
Steven Amiez, son of the Olympic runner-up in the specialty at the Salt Lake City Games Sébastien, made a mistake at the head of the course, after only a few gates. A fall that caused the 26-year-old slalomist to fall onto his back, sixth and fourth in the first two races of the season won by Clément Noël, prompting cries of disappointment from the public gathered below.
The fall of Steven Amiez!
Winner of the first round, the Frenchman failed in the second.
Henrik Kristoffersen takes the possibility to win for the third time in Val d’Isère pic.twitter.com/VXOWHc5KwC— the L’Équipe channel (@lachainelequipe) December 15, 2024
The Frenchman, who made his World Cup debut in 2020, has so far never finished on the podium at this circuit. having started on Sunday morning with bib number 10, he will have to wait at least for the next race, scheduled for December 23rd in Alta Badia, to try to break this glass ceiling.
If the French were not accomplished, the Norwegians scored a double on Sunday in Val-d’Isère. Second in the first round, Henrik Kristoffersen settled for the twelfth fastest time during the second lap to win the race ahead of his compatriot Atle Lie McGrath. The Swiss Loïc Meillard completes the podium. Of note is the great comeback of the Brazilian Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who finished 5th after setting the 26th time in the first heat.
What strategies can young skiers learn from Steven Amiez’s experience to improve their performance in competitions?
interview: Insights into teh Val-d’Isère Slalom and the Future of Skiing with Expert Jean Dupont
Time.news editor: Good afternoon, jean! Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent Val-d’Isère slalom and the implications of Steven Amiez’s performance. To start, could you provide us with an overview of what happened with Amiez during the competition?
Jean Dupont: Good afternoon! Certainly.Steven Amiez, who had high expectations going into the slalom, was the hope for many fans after a strong first round where he lead by 32 hundredths over Henrik Kristoffersen. Unluckily, he fell early in the second run after a mistake, which was quite disappointing, not only for him but for the spectators who believed he had a strong shot at the podium.
Time.news Editor: Amiez has been a prominent figure in the French skiing scene, yet he hasn’t reached the podium in the World Cup circuit yet. What do you think he needs to work on to break that barrier?
jean Dupont: His fall indicates that while he has the potential, consistency is key in elite sports like skiing. Amiez needs to focus on mental fortitude and refining his technique under pressure. As we saw, he had a fantastic start but couldn’t maintain that level. Working with coaches on mindset training and risk management during runs could be beneficial for him moving forward.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting you mention mental fortitude. The psychological aspect of skiing often gets overlooked. How crucial is it for athletes like Amiez to manage their mindset during high-stakes competitions?
Jean Dupont: It’s absolutely critical. Skiing is a sport where milliseconds can determine the outcome. The pressure can be overwhelming, especially when expectations are high, as they were for Amiez. By developing a strong mental game, athletes can improve their focus, resilience, and ability to recover from mistakes during races. Techniques such as visualization and mindfulness can be valuable tools in this regard.
Time.news Editor: Let’s discuss the winners of the Val-d’Isère slalom. Henrik Kristoffersen and Atle Lie McGrath from Norway showcased notable performances. What can we learn from their performance in this event?
Jean dupont: The Norwegian athletes demonstrated both skill and strategic execution. Kristoffersen came back strong in the second round after being second in the first, showcasing the importance of adaptability. His ability to not only secure the win but also manage his pace against his competitors highlights the necessity of tactical racing. McGrath’s consistent performance underscores how crucial it is to remain steady throughout both runs.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what should fans expect from Amiez in the upcoming race in Alta Badia on December 23?
Jean Dupont: Fans can certainly look forward to his next attempt to secure that elusive podium finish. If he can learn from his experience in Val-d’Isère and apply a growth mindset, there’s every reason to believe he’ll compete strongly. He must focus on executing each segment of the course meticulously and overcoming the mental block that may follow his fall.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, what advice woudl you give young skiers who aspire to reach the level of competitors like Amiez, Kristoffersen, and McGrath?
jean Dupont: For young skiers, the key is to embrace both the technical and psychological aspects of the sport. Prioritize skill development while also participating in sports psychology workshops. Additionally, finding a mentor—like a coach or experienced skier—can provide invaluable guidance. Lastly, resilience is essential; it’s essential to learn from setbacks rather than be discouraged by them.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Jean, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that both skill and mindset play critical roles in a skier’s journey. We look forward to seeing how Steven Amiez progresses in future competitions!
Jean Dupont: Thank you for having me! I’m eager to see how the season unfolds for all these athletes.