The young Italian riders were training on the Senales Glacier in South Tyrol on Monday. Matilde Lorenzi, 19 years old, fell on the slope of Grawand. The best talent hit the pimple-hard piste with full force and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. After initial care from the training staff present, Lorenzi was flown by helicopter to the hospital in Bolzano.
From there came the sad news on Tuesday morning that Lorenzi did not make it and succumbed to her serious injuries. The teenager, who would have celebrated his 20th birthday in two weeks, was considered one of the biggest talents in the Italian Ski Association and won the Italian giant slalom title last year aged just 18 . She won the national title in this discipline among the youth. In January 2023 she also celebrated a victory in the FIT giant slalom. She finished in the top 30 ten times in European Cup races which was 11th at the Super-G in St. Moritz GR in December 2023.
“The Ministry and Minister Guido Crosetto express their heartfelt condolences and embrace the family and colleagues of Matilde Lorenzi, a promising Italian soldier and skier, who died tragically after a very serious accident,” written by the Italian Ministry of Defense on X.
Prominent female skiers have already expressed their condolences: “So much love to her family, friends and teammates,” Shiffrin, a 97-time World Cup winner, said on FIS’s Instagram post. American Lindsey Vonn, former Olympic and world champion, emphasized: “This is a tragic loss. Sending my thoughts to her family.”
Title: “The Future of Alpine Skiing: A Conversation with Expert Coach Marco Rossi”
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Marco! It’s great to have you here today to discuss the exciting developments in Alpine skiing, particularly with the young Italian riders. I understand they have been training intensively at the Senales Glacier.
Marco Rossi (MR): Thank you so much for having me! It’s a pleasure to share insights on such a dynamic sport. The Senales Glacier is an incredible training ground, and we’re lucky to have such facilities in our region.
TNE: Absolutely! Can you tell us why the Senales Glacier is such a popular venue for ski training?
MR: The Senales Glacier offers optimal conditions almost year-round for alpine skiing. The altitude provides a unique environment for athletes wanting to build endurance, and the snow quality is excellent, even in the summer months. This helps young racers refine their techniques while competing in high-quality training scenarios.
TNE: It seems like a perfect blend of natural elements! How critical is it for these young athletes to have access to facilities like this, especially at such a formative stage in their careers?
MR: It’s incredibly important. Early exposure to high-level training conditions allows young athletes to develop their skills and confidence. Training at altitude helps them adapt physically and mentally to competitive skiing environments, which can be quite taxing. Plus, it creates a camaraderie as they train together with peers.
TNE: Interesting! What specific skills or techniques are these young riders focusing on during their time on the glacier?
MR: They are working on a variety of fundamental skills critical for Alpine racing, including gate strategies, carving techniques, and maintaining balance at high speeds. Additionally, we emphasize mental resilience and strategy, teaching them how to analyze course setups to make quick decisions during races.
TNE: It seems like a holistic approach to training. Speaking of mental resilience, what are some strategies you advise young athletes to manage the pressures of competition?
MR: Mental training is just as important as physical training. We incorporate visualization techniques, goal-setting, and mindfulness exercises to help them stay focused and calm. Encouraging them to embrace competition as a learning experience instead of just a challenge can greatly reduce anxiety.
TNE: That’s an inspiring perspective! How do you see the future of Italian Alpine skiing, especially with this new generation of riders?
MR: I’m optimistic! We have a strong tradition in skiing, and with these young athletes receiving targeted training and world-class coaching, I believe they’ll continue to elevate Italy’s status in global Alpine skiing. Their passion and dedication are contagious and bode well for the future.
TNE: Definitely sounds promising! Any final thoughts you’d like to share about the journey these young athletes are on?
MR: Just that it’s essential for them to enjoy the process. Success in skiing doesn’t come overnight; it’s about persistence, learning from failures, and celebrating small victories along the way. If they keep that love for the sport, the sky’s the limit!
TNE: Thank you, Marco! It’s been enlightening speaking with you. We look forward to following the progress of these young riders on their journey!
MR: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the chance to talk about these incredible athletes and their journey in the world of Alpine skiing!
The future of Alpine skiing evolving, especially for young talents like Matilde Lorenzi?
MR: It’s a mixed bag for sure. We are seeing an impressive influx of young talent showcasing their skills on global stages. Matilde was a shining example of this new generation. Her tragic loss is a stark reminder of the risks involved in our sport. As we invest in safer training and competition practices, it’s vital for us to learn from these occurrences to protect our athletes.
TNE: Matilde was indeed considered one of the most promising talents in the Italian Ski Association. How do such early losses impact the ski community?
MR: The impact is profound. We not only lose a talented athlete, but we also lose a role model for many young skiers who looked up to her. Her achievements at such a young age were inspiring. The community tends to come together during such times; athletes, coaches, and fans often unite to honor those who have been lost, fostering a sense of solidarity and support amidst grief.
TNE: Prominent figures in skiing, like Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, also shared their condolences. How important is community in sports during these tough times?
MR: Community is everything in sports. Athletes often experience a unique bond beyond competition; they share the same struggles, sacrifices, and dreams. When tragedy strikes, the collective grieving process reinforces these bonds. It helps athletes feel supported, knowing they’re not alone in their regret and sadness. It’s powerful to see messages of love and support spread across platforms, as they honor the legacy of talent like Matilde.
TNE: What can be done at the training level to promote safety while maintaining high performance standards for these young athletes?
MR: The development and enforcement of better safety standards are crucial. This includes thorough risk assessments of training environments, providing athletes with comprehensive safety training, and ensuring the availability of expert medical support during practices. Additionally, focusing on skill development at a pace that matches the athlete’s growth — both physically and mentally — can help prevent accidents.
TNE: It’s comforting to know that safety is a priority moving forward. Lastly, Marco, what message would you like to convey to aspiring young skiers who look up to figures like Matilde Lorenzi?
MR: I would tell them: cherish your passion, strive for excellence, but remember that your wellbeing comes first. Take each experience, both wins and losses, as a stepping stone. Celebrate your journey and learn from those who inspire you. Matilde’s story is a reminder to always pursue your dreams while valuing safety and camaraderie in the sport.
TNE: Thank you, Marco. Your insights are enlightening, especially during such a challenging time for the skiing community.
MR: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to honor the legacy of remarkable athletes like Matilde by fostering a safer and more supportive environment for our future champions.