Emma Weiß, Germany's sole representative in freestyle skiing, is preparing for her second Olympic Games under the shadow of serious financial problems. The 26-year-old athlete competing in aerials admits that despite being part of the national team, she must finance almost her entire sporting activity herself. The lack of stable economic backing forces her to seek additional funds during the crucial winter season.

Lack of financial support

German skier Emma Weiß must independently cover the costs of her competitions, which threatens her with debt after the current winter season ends.

Qualification start

The crucial qualifying competition will take place on Tuesday at 10:45, and its result may influence the athlete's future in the Aerials discipline.

Faith as driving force

The 26-year-old German representative emphasizes that in the face of economic difficulties, she draws strength for further training from faith in God.

German winter sports face a difficult question about the funding system for athletes in niche disciplines. Emma Weiß, who as Germany's only representative will compete in the aerials (aerials) event, revealed her critical financial situation at a training camp in Livigno. The athlete emphasizes that despite formal support, the burden of upkeep rests almost entirely on her shoulders. Weiß openly admits that unless a miracle happens, this season will end with a significant deficit in her account. In this difficult situation, the skier finds support in deep faith and her own initiative. Although preparing for her second Olympic Games, her reality drastically differs from that of athletes in the most popular disciplines, such as biathlon or alpine skiing. German media describe her as an "Einzelkämpferin," meaning a person fighting a lonely battle for survival in professional sports. The history of funding elite sports in Germany shows that federal funds are most often directed to federations achieving mass success, pushing representatives of smaller disciplines to the budgetary margins. Despite the lack of financial guarantees, the skier does not intend to give up. On Tuesday at 10:45, she will compete in the qualifications, hoping for sporting success that could attract potential sponsors. Her determination stems from passion, but this situation exposes systemic shortcomings in the German support system for athletes who operate without broad commercial backing. Weiß's problem is not isolated in the world of winter sports, where training, equipment, and logistics costs are exceptionally high. For the athlete from southern Germany, every competition is not only a physical challenge but also a financial logistical hurdle. She stated plainly: „I still have to finance myself completely on my own and I need to get some more money from somewhere.” — Emma Weiß This statement has sparked a discussion in German media about the fairness of fund distribution by the German Olympic Sports Confederation and winter sports associations.

Mentioned People

  • Emma Weiß — German freestyle skier specializing in aerials, the sole representative of her country in this discipline.