"That was a shock"

Hemetsberger even considered ending his career

Daniel Hemetsberger had to abandon the season in February.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Daniel Hemetsberger, Max Franz and Nina Orlieb - all three ÖSV athletes are currently sidelined with injuries, but paid a visit to the Super-G's in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. And are eagerly awaiting their return to the slopes. The thought of the upcoming home World Championships serves as additional motivation. For Hemetsberger, there was even talk of ending his career ...

"The first diagnosis was that the cartilage was gone and the end of my career was on the cards - that was quite a shock," reported Daniel Hemetsberger . He had to end his season prematurely in February after weeks of knee pain and had himself examined. However, due to his many knee injuries in the past (a total of four cruciate ligament ruptures), the MRI images before the operation on February 13 in Hochrum were inconclusive, so the doctors suspected the worst.

But Hemetsberger can now breathe easy again, the 32-year-old Upper Austrian explains: "The culprits of my pain were found during the operation. There were several free joint bodies floating around in the joint fluid. The largest piece was bigger than a cherry stone." The whole thing was probably a consequence of Hemetsberger twisting his knee in training in December.

Franz sees light at the end of the tunnel
Yesterday Hemetsberger was back in the finish area, looking mentally and physically fresh. He has already been back in physical training for three weeks. "I have an extra-long fitness preparation for the coming season," he smiles. If everything continues to go according to plan, he wants to be back on skis in just two weeks. And attack again in the new season, including the home World Championships: "I'm more motivated than ever, I'm really looking forward to next year. I'm already itching to ski again."

Max Franz hasn't skied since his serious training crash a year and a half ago.(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

So does Max Franz. After a year and a half of suffering since his serious training crash overseas in November 2022, including countless subsequent operations, he is still a long way from a comeback. But now finally sees light at the end of the tunnel of suffering: "Things have been looking up again for three weeks," says the Carinthian. The last operation before Christmas is bearing fruit: "The bone is finally firm and stable, I have more nerve pain again - that's a positive sign, because something is coming back."

The last few weeks have given me a real boost, a good feeling - that really motivates me to keep going.

Max Franz sieht Licht am Ende des Tunnels

Everyday things like long walks with the dog are "still not possible", but: "The last few weeks have given me a real boost, a good feeling - that really motivates me to keep going." When the 34-year-old, winner of three World Cup races, will be able to get back on skis is written in the stars: "I stopped working towards days out a long time ago - but when the day comes, I'll be even happier."

Vice world champion Nina Ortlieb hopes to return to the team in August.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Ortlieb wants to return to team training in August
Nina Orlieb is also working hard every day to be back in time. The Vorarlberg native suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in her right leg at the start of the season in St. Moritz and has since undergone three operations. The healing process "is progressing, the steps are small, but that was to be expected - it's an injury that requires patience". Her goal is to return to team training in August. And then to compete for medals again at the home World Championships in Saalbach next year. The runner-up in the downhill world championships soaked up the atmosphere at the World Cup final, saying: "When you're here, you see what it's worth working countless hours every day on your comeback, taking on the pain - that's great motivation for me."