Published15. September 2024, 11:29
Alpine skiing: Aline Danioth is a real source of inspiration
The Swiss skier is returning from a fourth cruciate ligament tear in her knee at the age of 26. Her persistence and resilience are being rewarded.
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Aline Danioth before the Méribel World Championships in winter 2023.
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At this level, to come back from a fourth torn cruciate ligament in her knee, at 26 years old, we should no longer talk about mental strength. Rather, about stubbornness. This is the feat that Aline Danioth has just achieved, who was back on skis this week in Argentina with a 3rd place in the slalom. So on Friday, from Ushuaia, the Uranaise did not hide her pleasure after all these months of suffering in silence, between re-education and rehabilitation.
“First race in 557 days, yesterday (editor’s note: Thursday) was a special day, the skier from Andermatt began on Instagram, in a post with several photos. I don’t know how to explain the feelings I felt… The only thing I know: the last 18 months have been anything but easy. But this day made me understand that working on this comeback was the best decision I could have made! I love competing in my favorite sport.”
The last time Aline Danioth had put on a bib was in March 2023, in Gällivare in Sweden, for a European Cup giant slalom that had once again ended in tragedy for her. Because the young Uranaise, who was coming off an incredible World Championship in slalom (6th) a week earlier in Méribel, France, finally seemed on the verge of reaching the very highest level.
“The support I received at that time was impressive,” she testified for “Watson Alémanique” in July 2023, she who was marked by Roger Federer’s words. For me, as for many people, he is a source of inspiration. When I read his message, I had a hard time believing it. The support of the other skiers was also very important.” Months after her injury, some of them still wrote to her to find out how she was doing.
A lover of skiing “above all else,” a deeply positive person who likes to say that “life is a party,” Aline Danioth now looks ahead, with kindness and ambition. “I am delighted to be surrounded by people who have always believed in me, even when I had lost faith,” she says. “I am ready to take the next steps and work toward my next goals.” See you in mid-November in Lévi for the World Cup?
