Loïc Meillard, who debuted in the World Cup circuit a decade ago, has evolved from a novice to a top contender in slalom skiing, now sporting the prestigious red start number. Despite facing various challenges, including injuries and competition from teammate Marco Odermatt, Meillard has showcased remarkable resilience. His journey highlights the importance of adaptability and self-discovery, and he continues to strive for excellence while embracing both successes and setbacks in his quest for perfection.
Meillard’s Journey: From Debut to Dominance
Exactly a decade ago, Loïc Meillard made his mark in the World Cup circuit with his debut in Adelboden’s giant slalom. At just 18 years old, he trailed behind the legendary Marcel Hirscher by 6.34 seconds, missing out on the second run. Fast forward to today, Meillard returns to Chuenisbärgli, sporting the prestigious red start number in slalom, a symbol of being the season’s top slalom skier. This is a groundbreaking moment, as he becomes the first Swiss athlete to carry this honor in an Adelboden slalom. “It feels great,” Meillard shares, having stood on the podium in four out of five slalom events this winter, though he remains grounded, aware that past performance doesn’t guarantee future victories.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
While the distance between him and the elite has diminished, Meillard still hasn’t reached the pinnacle of the sport, where Hirscher once reigned supreme. Various challenges have kept him from claiming the big crystal globe, from equipment failures to injuries and the pressure of perfectionism. His teammate Marco Odermatt has also posed a significant challenge; competing against one of the top skiers of his generation requires not just skill but mental fortitude.
Yet, Meillard has his own claim to greatness. Daniel Yule, a fellow teammate, attests to his incredible technical prowess, stating that he cannot envision anyone skiing slalom better than Meillard. His former coach, Helmut Krug, once remarked on Meillard’s exceptional talent, agility, and technique, labeling him as the best skier globally. However, speed has often eluded him, as he tends to adhere to a meticulous plan, striving for perfection, which contrasts with Odermatt’s instinctive style that often results in faster runs.
In a revealing TV documentary, Meillard opens up about his struggles with control and the importance of letting go. He acknowledges that skiing also involves allowing the skis to glide smoothly at the right moments. Inspired by Odermatt’s success, Meillard recognizes the need for adaptability and growth in his approach to racing.
The 2023/24 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Meillard. Beginning with a setback at the Sölden opener, where a malfunctioning prototype ski binding led to a shocking loss, he faced immense frustration. Despite his initial anger, which led to misplaced blame, he soon realized that external factors were not to blame for his struggles. Striving to regain his confidence, Meillard pushed through additional challenges, including another mishap at Adelboden that left him shaken.
However, resilience shone through as he climbed back to the podium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, finishing within the top ranks in seven of his last twelve races. His breakthrough victory in slalom and a triumph that halted Odermatt’s winning streak in giant slalom marked a significant turnaround, placing him second overall in the World Cup standings. Although Odermatt dominated with nearly double the points, Meillard’s journey of self-discovery reaffirmed his potential to compete at the highest level.
Moving forward, Meillard recognizes the importance of support rather than pressure. His coach, Matteo Joris, emphasizes the gradual progress being made. Despite ongoing challenges stemming from a back injury, which has affected his training and performance, Meillard has managed to return to form. Competing in slalom has been more favorable for him, though he has faced difficulties in giant slalom and Super-G events.
As the season unfolds, Meillard remains focused on the pursuit of excellence, understanding the value of both triumphs and setbacks in shaping his character. The path to mastering his craft involves balancing training loads and allowing for recovery, with the ultimate goal of achieving that elusive perfect run. In reflecting on his journey, Meillard states, “The less favorable moments teach you the most about yourself,” a sentiment that encapsulates his growth as both an athlete and an individual.