Marco Odermatt placed himself fifth in his own all‑time ski‑greats list on 27 Jun 2026, ranking Ingemar Stenmark first and naming Marcel Hirscher among the top five. The Swiss champion used a FIS‑provided envelope of ten historic names to illustrate where he sees his 45 World Cup victories fitting into skiing history.
How did the ranking unfold?
During a light‑hearted interview, the Olympic and World Champion drew names from a thick envelope handed out by the International Ski Federation. He first pulled Austrian Hermann Maier and assigned him third place. Next came Pirmin Zurbriggen, who earned the second slot. When the envelope revealed Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark, Odermatt didn’t hesitate – he put the 86‑victory legend at number one.
Where does Odermatt position himself?
After the top three were set, Odermatt drew his own name. He paused, then said, “I’m sure Hirscher will be in the mix, so I’ll sit in fifth place.” That placement reflects his 45 World Cup wins, which sit behind Stenmark (86), Marcel Hirscher (67), Hermann Maier (54), Alberto Tomba (50) and Marc Girardelli (46). Zurbriggen trails him with 40 victories.
Why the list matters to fans and analysts
The exercise isn’t a formal ranking, but it offers a glimpse into how a current champion views his legacy. By putting Stenmark at the summit, Odermatt acknowledges the Swedish’s record‑breaking win total. His own fifth‑place claim suggests confidence without arrogance, a tone that resonated with viewers. Comment sections showed mixed reactions – some fans wanted Bode Miller in the top ten, highlighting how personal lists can ignite broader debates about greatness.
What’s next for Odermatt’s legacy?
With the 2026 season still unfolding, Odermatt’s tally could climb. Each additional victory narrows the gap to Hirscher’s 67 wins. If he adds ten more wins before the season ends, he would move into fourth place, overtaking Maier. The skier’s own ranking hints at his ambition: he’s already among the sport’s elite and appears eager to push further.
How does this compare to other athletes’ self‑rankings?
Self‑ranking exercises are rare in alpine skiing, but they echo similar gestures in other sports where stars place themselves among legends. Odermatt’s approach is modest – he leaves room for the greats while still staking a claim. It adds a human element to the statistics that dominate World Cup coverage, reminding fans that behind every win count is a personal narrative.
Fan reaction and future discussion
The video of the ranking drew a lively comment thread. Some users praised Odermatt’s honesty; others argued that Bode Miller deserved a spot. The conversation underscores how fans engage with legacy debates, especially as current athletes approach historic milestones. As Odermatt continues to collect victories, his self‑ranking will likely be revisited, offering fresh material for future analysis.