21 October 2003

The Hermanator out of top FIS rankings
Austria ski star Hermann Maier said he was furious about being kicked out of the top 15 in the official rankings on Monday. Guenther Hujara, International Skiing Federation's chief of racing, gave Maier a low ranking for next weekend's season opener in Soelden, Austria, because of his long injury absence.

While Hujara based his decision on FIS regulations, Maier, who was seeded 27th in the giant slalom and 21st in the downhill, felt "victim of a chivvy," he told Austrian press agency APA. Maier had to sit out almost two seasons while recuperating from a 2001 motorcycle accident that nearly cost him a leg, but managed to win a Super G run in January, his fourth race after returning to competition.

'The problem seems to be that I am Austrian'
Claiming he felt highly penalized, Maier said that 'The problem seems to be that I am Austrian and have been too successful in the past' (this doesn't seem to have been a problem for other Austrians - most notably the recent success of Arnie - Ed).

Hujara has previously clashed with Maier. In 1997, the Austrian lost his win in Val d'Isere for unlocking his skis too early in the finish area, while three years later Maier was disqualified again by Hujara in Val d'Isere, this time for exceeding the slope inspection time.

Maier is convinced this new conflict is not accidental. 'I was the No. 1 skier in every discipline before my crash. The injury status should never be used against the athlete, but it seems some people at FIS think I was not really injured. If they could, they would probably put me back on 80th. It is tough to work with spineless people. At the end of the season they congratulate you, but actually they are already working on plans on how to kick you off the throne.'

'Unfair and silly'
Maier received support from Austrian Skiing Federation. 'We believe a proper interpretation of the regulations would put Hermann on No. 13. And we are treating him as the No. 13 seed, which means he needs not qualify internally.Anything else would simply be unfair and silly, because he is a real superstar who should not be discriminated against for being too good.' Due to his high starting number, Maier said he would be happy to finish in the top 15 next weekend.

[Source: Globeandmail.com]

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