Alberto Tomba: "Today's athletes are smarter; they can tell anyone to go to hell"

Italy - Ekhbary News Agency

Alberto Tomba: "Today's athletes are smarter; they can tell anyone to go to hell"

The magnitude of a legend like Alberto Tomba (born in San Lazzaro di Savena, 1966) is measured not only by his numerous victories but by his extraordinary ability to normalize the epic in alpine skiing for over two decades, even making it seem routine and rhythmic. With his charm and magic, "La Bomba" was instrumental in bringing the world of snow sports into Italian homes during the 1980s and 1990s. He even had the power to bring an entire nation to a standstill, captivated by his spectacular performances in the slalom and giant slalom events.

Tomba, affectionately known as "La Bomba," has historically been quite reserved when it comes to granting interviews. However, he made a notable exception for ABC newspaper, speaking via telephone in the lead-up to the Milan-Cortina Olympics. In this conversation, Tomba, widely regarded as one of the most significant alpine skiers in history, elaborated on how a niche sport evolved into a mainstream consumer phenomenon thanks to his prolific achievements. He was, by all accounts, an "alien" on the slopes.

Tomba's prowess was immense, and his legacy is immeasurable. From 1985 to 1998, he secured fifty World Cup victories. He currently ranks fourth in the all-time men's rankings, trailing only Hermann Maier (54 wins), Marcel Hirscher (67 wins), and Ingemar Stenmark (86 wins). His trophy cabinet also boasts multiple Olympic gold medals from various Winter Games, including Calgary 1988 and Albertville '92. Beyond his athletic achievements, Tomba was also an innovator, pioneering the use of protective gear and equipment that has since become standard.

He was the first to adopt a helmet, shin guards, and specialized mitts. Tomba clarifies that the helmet was initially used only in giant slalom to prevent impacts, a practice he started around 1990. As for the shin guards in slalom, he expresses immense pride in inventing this technical equipment for the World Cup circuit. He states unequivocally that he feels a deep sense of honor for having contributed to making this dangerous sport safer. His contributions undeniably enhanced the safety and performance standards in alpine skiing.

Tomba's meteoric rise culminated in 1987 at Sestriere, where he achieved a remarkable double victory in both slalom and super-G. Reflecting on that period, he simply says, "What came after is history." He vividly recalls his slalom win on November 25th, followed days later by his giant slalom victory with bib number 14 in the second World Cup race of the season. He remembers Ingemar Stenmark finishing second and Joel Gaspoz third. Tomba emphasizes his perfect recall of exact dates, moments, and rivals, attributing it to his "computer-like" memory. He notes that it was snowing heavily during those races.

He was just twenty years old at the time, describing the experience as a "unique emotion. A dream come true. Everything was magical, beautiful, easy..." He acknowledges the significant differences in equipment then compared to now, mentioning that giant slalom skis were 2.10 meters long, while slalom skis were 2.05 meters. While Sestriere was magical, he also cherishes his victory in the famous "Parallelo de Natale" in Milan three years prior.

Tomba's impact was so profound that his aura persists even today. Thirty years later, he ponders how he endured such intense pressure. "I don't know. I ask myself that too. The truth is, it wasn't easy at all," he admits. He reveals that initially, he used humor to defuse the pressure. "You see, at first, they talked about my victories, but after Albertville... it became delirium because they started revealing my private life. That seemed to be what sold the most about me," he explains.

When asked if he identifies with descriptions of him as sensitive and introverted, Tomba responds gratefully, "Yes, thank you, it's true." He elaborates on his perspective: "I was an Italian citizen going to compete on the snow... Yes, a very tough, dark sport... at 3,000 meters altitude. I won medals at the Games, but for me, it wasn't easy, honestly." He shares a particularly challenging experience after the Calgary '88 Olympics, where a private television crew constantly followed his every move. While he chooses not to name the crew, he recounts their demands: "They wanted me to entertain people. They'd say, 'Come on, Alberto, let's see that F1 car, that horse, now let's go windsurfing in Hawaii...' This and that. You understand? 'Let's go see champion so-and-so now...' They made me do many things."

Regarding why he didn't refuse these demands, despite the financial incentives and the creation of a false image, Tomba cites his father's advice: "In fact, that's what my father used to say. He always advised me that you can't always say yes." Tomba links this period and the demands on his time to a perceived dip in his performance after Calgary, noting that these activities consumed his valuable free time. He concludes with a sharp observation about the current generation: "Today's athletes are smarter. They are capable of telling anyone to go to hell," implying a greater assertiveness and control over their careers and public image.

Comparing his sport to others, Tomba asserts, "Skiing cannot be compared to football, golf, or tennis... Only the genuine go to the mountains." This statement encapsulates his view of the unique character and dedication required of those who choose the challenging discipline of alpine skiing.

Ekhbary News Agency