Defying the Odds: Stockinger and Grammel’s Road to the Ski World Championships
For 25-year-old Jonas Stockinger, being part of the German team at the Ski World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a moment he never thought possible four years ago. Recalling the fateful call that upended his career, he says, "It felt like my world had collapsed."
The German Ski Federation (DSV) informed him that he was being dropped from the team. Faced with the daunting question of whether to give up or persevere, Stockinger grappled with major obstacles. But amidst the adversity, he found his resolve and fought his way back into contention, alongside fellow athlete Anton Grammel. Now, the duo has fulfilled their dream of competing at the World Championships.
Together with Fabian Gratz, Stockinger and Grammel will represent Germany in the men’s giant slalom on Friday. While they may be considered underdogs, the mere fact of being there and approaching the massive 20-meter-high fan stands at the finish line is seen by Stockinger as "proof that it was worth fighting back and enduring all the hardships."
Grammel shares similar sentiments. He too was dropped by the DSV in 2021, leaving him "shocked" and "a bit angry." However, the arduous journey through the lower rungs of alpine skiing, back into the elite, and ultimately to the World Cup and this stage has shaped the duo.
Without federation support, athletes are left to cover the costs of their season and preparation independently. Stockinger and Grammel temporarily joined private teams, Stockinger for two years and Grammel for one. While they receive some assistance with arrangements like hotels and training locations, "good care" comes at a cost, says Grammel. "But you adjust; you downgrade to a holiday apartment and cook for yourself."
Coaches, lift tickets, accommodation, fuel—every aspect of their training and competition requires funding. Stockinger estimates his expenses at around 30,000 euros per season, which he kept "to a bare minimum." Accepting financial support from family was a difficult pill to swallow. Grammel’s savings account took a significant hit. Their status as sportsmen in the German military and the accompanying basic income proved invaluable.
Nevertheless, Stockinger admits that the financial burden "took a toll on me mentally for a while." Managing finances, questioning career prospects, and the fear of injuries can be a source of sleepless nights. Only when he let go of those concerns did his skiing improve, he explains. Last season, he emerged victorious in the giant slalom standings of the second-tier Europa Cup.
Grammel made significant strides during his self-funded season. "It was an expensive year, but also very productive." He learned the importance of perseverance and self-belief. It marked a "turning point" in his career.
While medal contention may be out of reach on Friday, Swiss superstar Marco Odermatt is heavily favored. Alexander Schmid, Germany’s top giant slalom skier and 2023 parallel world champion, is sidelined with an injury.
Stockinger, Grammel, and Gratz have all placed in the top 20 this season. Grammel is optimistic that "in two or three years, we could be challenging for top positions." Their resilience and unwavering confidence remain intact, despite the obstacles they have faced.
