Photograph Credit score, @alpineteamnorway & @madsmehus
A Triumphant Return
Michael “Sutti” Rottensteiner is again as the pinnacle coach of the Norwegian Males’s Alpine Staff after a year-long sabbatical. His return is extremely anticipated, bringing renewed vitality and focus to the group. In an unique interview, Sutti shared insights on the present state of the group, the significance of his workers, and his philosophy on teaching, in addition to his private journey towards a more healthy strategy to his demanding job.
Addressing the State of the Staff
Regardless of going through vital challenges, together with extreme accidents to 2 high velocity skiers and Lucas Braathen’s choice to ski for Brazil, Sutti stays optimistic in regards to the group’s future. He acknowledges the difficulties however highlights the resilience and potential inside the group.
“Now we have a robust group of younger tech skiers like McGrath and Olsen, and extra are able to observe of their footsteps,” Sutti stated. “Regardless of setbacks, we give attention to nurturing and growing these gifted athletes.” The younger skiers profit from their veteran teammates. Timon Haugan, who gained his first World Cup slalom this season, provides invaluable expertise. Moreover, they benefit from the management of Sebastian Foss-Solevåg, a three-time World Cup slalom winner and the 2021 World Slalom Champion. It’s additionally price mentioning that Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who has gained one general title and 4 occasion titles, is a robust chief of the velocity group and contributes to the optimistic group chemistry each time he joins any of the teams.
Celebrating Europa Cup Success
Sutti praised the Europa Cup group’s success, which has facilitated fast transitions to World Cup outcomes. He attributes this success to the strong basis constructed by ski gymnasiums (academies) and efficient character and ski coaching offered to the athletes.
“The trail from Europa Cup to World Cup has been excellent. Our younger athletes are ready with a superb tradition and character, making them prepared for the challenges on the increased ranges,” he defined.
Sutti additionally credit Males’s Europa Cup Coach Andreas Kollenborg. Underneath his steerage, the EC program gained the three most up-to-date EC slalom titles with three completely different athletes. Moreover, Atle Lie McGrath earned the EC general and large slalom titles in the course of the 2020 season.
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The Norwegian Staff Construction
Norway’s alpine group operates below a philosophy of long-term continuity amongst workers members, which advantages their groups. Sutti manages 4 key teams:
World Cup Velocity Staff: Headed by Peter Anderson (USA), with coaches Øyvind Haraldsen (NOR) and Fabien Mazuir (FRA).
Males’s Tech Staff: Led by Ola Masdal (NOR), supported by Christian Mitter (AUT), Alek Glebov (SLO), and Niclas Kjelsli (NOR). Mitter additionally serves as the boys’s group technical director, working intently with sports activities science knowledgeable Robbi Learn (USA).
Henrik Kristoffersen’s Particular person Staff: Supported by Jørgen Nordlund (SWE) and Daniel Tangen (NOR).
Europa Cup Program: Headed by Andreas Kollenborg (NOR).
Sutti additionally credit Sport Director Claus Ryste for his management and thanks him for overlaying a lot of his obligations throughout his sabbatical from the pinnacle coach place.
Management and Collaboration
Sutti emphasizes the significance of belief and collaboration inside the group. “I imagine in giving obligations to my colleagues and trusting them to steer their teams. Now we have no assistant coaches on workers in Norway — we’re all coaches with completely different obligations; our athletes are our assistant coaches, serving to one another and fostering a supportive setting,” Sutti shared.
He elaborated on this distinctive strategy: “Now we have coaches keen to tackle any job mandatory to supply one of the best program doable. One of the best assistant coaches are literally the athletes within the packages, supporting one another and driving the group ahead.”
Integrating Coaching Throughout Ranges
Certainly one of Sutti’s key methods is the mixing of coaching throughout completely different ranges inside the program. “We combine the athletes persistently, particularly within the pre-season. This strategy permits us to leverage the strengths of every group and be sure that all athletes profit from shared information and expertise,” he defined.
This integration fosters a cohesive group setting and accelerates the event of younger athletes. “For us, it’s essential to haven’t any obstacles between completely different ranges. Efficiency and character are what matter, and we ensure everybody will get the chance to show themselves,” Sutti stated.
Stepping Again for Well being: Sutti’s Journey
A Difficult Choice
Sutti’s choice to step again from his head coach function with the Norwegian ski group was troublesome however mandatory. The pressures of the job had taken a toll on his psychological and bodily well being, and he realized that he wanted to prioritize his well-being.
Taking Time Off
Throughout his sabbatical, Sutti started to grasp the significance of addressing his well being points head-on. He stayed near his household, girlfriend, and associates, overtly sharing his struggles. He sought skilled assist, consulting psychologists and psychiatrists, and explored numerous strategies to calm down and care for himself.
“I by no means made something a secret,” he defined. “I attempted numerous strategies, together with conventional remedy and various therapies like massages. I discovered to search out one of the best methods to calm down and care for myself.”
Rejoining the Staff in a Assist Function
After a while away, Sutti determined to rejoin the group in a help function. “I felt a robust connection to the Norwegian ski group and needed to contribute to its success in a distinct capability,” he stated. He took on numerous obligations, serving to out wherever wanted, and appreciated the supportive setting.
Able to Lead Once more
After a season, Sutti felt able to tackle the pinnacle coach function once more with a renewed sense of motivation and goal. “I needed to make use of my experiences to create a more healthy and extra supportive setting for everybody concerned,” he said.
A New Method
Sutti plans to take a balanced strategy, guaranteeing he takes time for himself and shares obligations along with his group. “I purpose to share obligations and belief my group extra,” he stated. He additionally intends to proceed practices that help his well being, like sustaining a superb weight loss program, common train, and presumably working with a mentor or coach.
Classes Realized and Future Plans
Addressing Psychological Well being
Sutti discovered the significance of open communication about psychological well being and making a supportive tradition inside the group. “I need to create a tradition the place discussing these points is inspired and the place everybody feels supported,” he emphasised. He plans to implement adjustments that promote relaxation and work-life stability for the workers.
He has began by making psychological well being a subject of open dialogue inside the federation. “Speaking about it overtly is step one,” he stated. They’re now engaged on particular methods to make sure the well being and well-being of the whole group.
Making a Supportive Atmosphere
By sharing his story, Sutti hopes to encourage others to prioritize their well being and search assist when wanted. He goals to create an setting the place psychological well being is taken critically and the place everybody can thrive each personally and professionally.
The Highway Forward
Sutti is optimistic in regards to the future, particularly with the promising younger abilities within the pipeline. He believes within the energy of his teaching workers and the potential of the athletes. “We’re all residing our dream, and with the appropriate help and mindset, we will obtain nice issues,” he concluded.
By integrating his experiences and newfound perspective on well being and well-being, Sutti is decided to steer the Norwegian Males’s Alpine Staff to new heights whereas guaranteeing a supportive and balanced setting for everybody concerned.
