Swiss skiing star Marco Odermatt reveals that Roger Federer has always been a huge inspiration to him. Odermatt, 25, is one of the best skiers in the world, having won gold for Switzerland at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Federer, a former 20-time Grand Slam champion, recently ended his remarkable tennis career. Odermatt, who is one of the most popular Swiss athletes today, described Federer as a perfect sports ambassador and a great role model.
Today, Odermatt hopes to follow in Federer’s footsteps and positively promote Switzerland on the international stage.
Odermatt hails Federer’s greatness and influence.
“No one will ever occupy the large footprints he has left, but I will do my best.
On the world stage, skiing has never been at the same level [que le tennis]but in Switzerland I imagine the interest is almost the same as for tennis, maybe even more.
It’s really nice to have been in contact with him. I was able to meet him twice this year, during a few shooting days and at the Laver Cup, for a minute or two.
He’s just a great guy and I’ve already learned a lot and can still learn a lot from him. I think in the past it was just about enjoying his sport of him and sharing the emotions and spirit that he brought back into our homes by watching him on TV from the sofa.”
“He was a great motivation. Now that I’ve reached the top level, I think his greatest quality is the way he handles things with all the opponents who wanted to beat him.
And it’s certainly not easy. I still don’t feel like I do it as easily as he has for many years. But I’ll do my best to stay as humble as he was.
And yes, he remains a great inspiration,” Odermatt told the Olympic website. Throughout his career, Federer has been one of the most respected athletes in the world.
After Federer announced his intention to retire, the Swiss received tributes from all over the world.
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