Petra Vlhová’s coach Livio Magoni during a tour of the track before Sunday’s 1st round of the giant slalom in Kranjska Gora.
Author: TASR, Martin Baumann
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He led Czechoslovak skiers Jana Gantnerová-Šoltýsová and Oľga Charvátová Křížová. He was also in charge of Šárka Strachová, he meets all Petra Vlhová’s coaches. This also applies to Livio Magoni. The Italian helped the Slovak jewel to a large crystal globe for the past World Cup season.
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Shortly afterwards, Vlhova and the team’s conditions were openly criticized for the Italian daily Corriere Della Sera.
“I absolutely do not understand these words. If they are not taken out of context, then it does not bode well, “thinks Pavel Šťastný (74). A native of Prague who speaks Slovak and trains in the USA.
You pass on the experience to the young coaches at the Ski Academy – Killington Mountain School. What will you tell them if they ask you about Magoni’s criticism of Vlhová?
Especially since it’s absolutely inappropriate. I don’t understand what he’s watching. I know him and I see it for his next game.
What should be the result?
Good advertising for yourself. I’m not saying he should just praise Vlhová. This way, the coach does not get everything from the mentee. Criticism is fine, but it must have certain limits and also form. Vlhová is twenty-five years old, with globes and medals in the showcase. To say that it has no potential is misguided.
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Magoni likes to be the center of attention, do you agree?
Definitely. When there is an opportunity to be visible, he does not hesitate. Take Mikaela Shiffrin’s team, for example. I know her coaches. I don’t think they spy on them or can’t play them… I don’t believe it and I don’t understand why it keeps pulling it out.
Americans are confident realists. It should be noted that Shiffrin went through hell after the tragic event. Gradually, however, it rose in performance. She will be very strong next year.
The interview with Magoni was published a few hours before Vlhová’s press conference at Bratislava Castle. Wasn’t it time for praise rather than criticism?
Clearly, Petra deserves words of praise. It is an incredible success. It was destroyed after such a year. It was also seen in the arches at Lenzerheide. If you compared them to those in Levi, you would find big differences.
Criticism could come internally and later. I absolutely do not understand these words. If they are not taken out of context, it does not bode well. I know that he is preparing for the new season after the end of the previous one. But there must also be space to celebrate the most valuable ski trophy. Then why do we do it?
Pavel Šťastný (pictured right) also knows Timothy Zuzul well. This is how they enjoyed the sun at the World Cup event in Schladming in March 2012.
Author: TASR, Michal Svítok
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Could it be a form of Awakening of Vlhova for better performance?
I don’t know, but Magoni didn’t do it right, he should have let Petra breathe. The possibility of looking for another job also comes to mind. He throws the rod and waits for some fish to catch. Or he wants more money.
But there are not many better skiers like Vlhová who are looking for a coaching change in the World Cup…
I agree and, moreover, only Petr, Mikael and Lara Gutová-Behrami will fight for the big globe. The competition for women is not as great as for men. The other girls are behind this trio. Katharina Liensberger or Michelle Gisin have yet to work. Magoni also praised the Italians, but they are also lagging behind.
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Do you think that Vlhová owes her success especially to Magoni’s hard methods?
It wouldn’t be fair if we took Livio’s credit. Petra made great progress under him. I know all the coaches who were in charge of her. Those in Martin or Ivan Iľanovský (Magoni’s predecessor, note) described Vlhová as a supertalent. However, the dependence of women on the coach is completely different than among men.
What does it mean?
If the girls trust the coach, they are very attached to them. They can be said to be one of the key factors for success. Men have them more as an advisory body. Vlhová is a supertalent who has won everything through hard work. Magoni led it and showed her the details.
But Petra is always standing at the start and she has to know where to push into the skis and where to release them. I haven’t heard Shiffrin or the Swiss praise their coaches. Hummingbirds do this often. It seems that Magoni has tied up Peter so that without him she would not have taken a step… In the first place, it is always about her.
So you have no doubt that if there was a change in the coaching position, Vlhová would continue to be successful?
I am absolutely convinced of that. She knows exactly what works for her and pulls her forward. Hummingbirds have a private team. The relationship between the athlete and the coach is much closer than in the national team with several coaches and competitors.