Reinvigorated Leadership: Sutti’s Return to the Norwegian Men’s Team While Seeking Life Balance

Photo Credit, @alpineteamnorway & @madsmehus

A Triumphant Return

Michael “Sutti” Rottensteiner is back as the head coach of the Norwegian Men’s Alpine Team after a year-long sabbatical. His return is highly anticipated, bringing renewed energy and focus to the team. In an exclusive interview, Sutti shared insights on the current state of the team, the importance of his staff, and his philosophy on coaching, as well as his personal journey toward a healthier approach to his demanding job.

Addressing the State of the Team

Despite facing significant challenges, including severe injuries to two top speed skiers and Lucas Braathen’s decision to ski for Brazil, Sutti remains optimistic about the team’s future. He acknowledges the difficulties but highlights the resilience and potential within the team.

“We have a strong group of young tech skiers like McGrath and Olsen, and more are ready to follow in their footsteps,” Sutti said. “Despite setbacks, we focus on nurturing and developing these talented athletes.” The young skiers benefit from their veteran teammates. Timon Haugan, who won his first World Cup slalom this season, offers invaluable experience. Additionally, they enjoy the leadership of Sebastian Foss-Solevåg, a three-time World Cup slalom winner and the 2021 World Slalom Champion. It’s also worth mentioning that Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who has won one overall title and four event titles, is a strong leader of the speed team and contributes to the positive team chemistry whenever he joins any of the groups.

Celebrating Europa Cup Success

Sutti praised the Europa Cup team’s success, which has facilitated quick transitions to World Cup results. He attributes this success to the solid foundation built by ski gymnasiums (academies) and effective character and ski training provided to the athletes.

“The path from Europa Cup to World Cup has been outstanding. Our young athletes are prepared with a good culture and character, making them ready for the challenges at the higher levels,” he explained.

Sutti also credits Men’s Europa Cup Coach Andreas Kollenborg. Under his guidance, the EC program won the three most recent EC slalom titles with three different athletes. Additionally, Atle Lie McGrath earned the EC overall and giant slalom titles during the 2020 season.

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The Norwegian Team Structure

Norway’s alpine team operates under a philosophy of long-term continuity among staff members, which benefits their teams. Sutti manages four key groups:

• World Cup Speed Team: Headed by Peter Anderson (USA), with coaches Øyvind Haraldsen (NOR) and Fabien Mazuir (FRA).
• Men’s Tech Team: Led by Ola Masdal (NOR), supported by Christian Mitter (AUT), Alek Glebov (SLO), and Niclas Kjelsli (NOR). Mitter also serves as the men’s team technical director, working closely with sports science expert Robbi Read (USA).
• Henrik Kristoffersen’s Individual Team: Supported by Jørgen Nordlund (SWE) and Daniel Tangen (NOR).
• Europa Cup Program: Headed by Andreas Kollenborg (NOR).

Sutti also credits Sport Director Claus Ryste for his leadership and thanks him for covering many of his responsibilities during his sabbatical from the head coach position.

Leadership and Collaboration

Sutti emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration within the team. “I believe in giving responsibilities to my colleagues and trusting them to lead their groups. We have no assistant coaches on staff in Norway — we are all coaches with different responsibilities; our athletes are our assistant coaches, helping each other and fostering a supportive environment,” Sutti shared.

He elaborated on this unique approach: “We have coaches willing to take on any job necessary to offer the best program possible. The best assistant coaches are actually the athletes in the programs, supporting each other and driving the team forward.”

Integrating Training Across Levels

One of Sutti’s key strategies is the integration of training across different levels within the program. “We mix the athletes consistently, especially in the pre-season. This approach allows us to leverage the strengths of each group and ensure that all athletes benefit from shared knowledge and experience,” he explained.

This integration fosters a cohesive team environment and accelerates the development of young athletes. “For us, it’s very important to have no barriers between different levels. Performance and character are what matter, and we make sure everyone gets the opportunity to prove themselves,” Sutti said.

Stepping Back for Health: Sutti’s Journey

A Challenging Decision

Sutti’s decision to step back from his head coach role with the Norwegian ski team was difficult but necessary. The pressures of the job had taken a toll on his mental and physical health, and he realized that he needed to prioritize his well-being.

Taking Time Off

During his sabbatical, Sutti began to understand the importance of addressing his health issues head-on. He stayed close to his family, girlfriend, and friends, openly sharing his struggles. He sought professional help, consulting psychologists and psychiatrists, and explored various methods to relax and take care of himself.

“I never made anything a secret,” he explained. “I tried various methods, including traditional therapy and alternative treatments like massages. I learned to find the best ways to relax and take care of myself.”

Rejoining the Team in a Support Role

After some time away, Sutti decided to rejoin the team in a support role. “I felt a strong connection to the Norwegian ski team and wanted to contribute to its success in a different capacity,” he said. He took on various responsibilities, helping out wherever needed, and appreciated the supportive environment.

Ready to Lead Again

After a season, Sutti felt ready to take on the head coach role again with a renewed sense of motivation and purpose. “I wanted to use my experiences to create a healthier and more supportive environment for everyone involved,” he stated.

A New Approach

Sutti plans to take a balanced approach, ensuring he takes time for himself and shares responsibilities with his team. “I aim to share responsibilities and trust my team more,” he said. He also intends to continue practices that support his health, like maintaining a good diet, regular exercise, and possibly working with a mentor or coach.

Lessons Learned and Future Plans

Addressing Mental Health

Sutti learned the importance of open communication about mental health and creating a supportive culture within the team. “I want to create a culture where discussing these issues is encouraged and where everyone feels supported,” he emphasized. He plans to implement changes that promote rest and work-life balance for the staff.

He has started by making mental health a topic of open discussion within the federation. “Talking about it openly is the first step,” he said. They are now working on specific strategies to ensure the health and well-being of the entire team.

Creating a Supportive Environment

By sharing his story, Sutti hopes to encourage others to prioritize their health and seek help when needed. He aims to create an environment where mental health is taken seriously and where everyone can thrive both personally and professionally.

The Road Ahead

Sutti is optimistic about the future, especially with the promising young talents in the pipeline. He believes in the strength of his coaching staff and the potential of the athletes. “We are all living our dream, and with the right support and mindset, we can achieve great things,” he concluded.

By integrating his experiences and newfound perspective on health and well-being, Sutti is determined to lead the Norwegian Men’s Alpine Team to new heights while ensuring a supportive and balanced environment for everyone involved.