Photo: Darka Sefcik Starnova
Petra Vlhová is set to return to the World Cup in the women’s giant slalom in Sölden on Oct. 24, nearly three years after her last World Cup start. At a news conference hosted by Niké, title partner of the Niké Ski Team Petra Vlhová, on Friday, Oct. 9, she said she intends to race both slalom and giant slalom this season. After two surgeries and a long rehabilitation, Vlhová returned to competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics and has gradually resumed full training. She enters this next chapter with a new coach and a fresh perspective, while holding on to the same passion for skiing.
A New Coach, a Familiar Team
While Mario Rafetzeder’s appointment as Vlhová’s new head coach had already been announced, Friday’s press conference offered journalists an opportunity to meet him and ask questions. The Austrian, who previously worked with the British and Finnish national teams, joined Vlhová’s team in May.
Vlhová explained that she had considered several candidates before choosing Rafetzeder.
“I considered several options and received very good recommendations for Mario. I knew he might be available and that he would be finishing in Finland. His response was immediate, which was a pleasant surprise. We met, talked, and I had a very good feeling about it. We decided to go ahead, and I’m very happy to have him on my team,” she explained.
Rafetzeder also expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership.
“I was happy when Petra called me and said she wanted to start a new chapter in her career. We talk a lot, which is important in preparation and training. When something doesn’t work, we always manage to find a solution. We had a good feeling about each other from the very beginning,” he said.
The Austrian coach also brought some humor to the press conference, admitting that he had never visited Jasná and joking that he had experienced more fun during one week in Slovakia than in four years in Finland.
He also recalled following the famous Shiffrin–Vlhová rivalry with great interest, joking that he had always hoped Petra would win.
Longtime team member Matej Gemza will remain the team’s second coach, while the team plans to establish its new training base in Schladming, Austria.
Fans interested in learning more about Rafetzeder can also listen to his interview with our colleagues from the Skiing Is Believing podcast, who spoke with him earlier this summer.
The Road Back: A Different Perspective
After almost three years away from World Cup racing, Vlhová says she is healthy and happy with her progress. However, she acknowledges that returning to her previous competitive level will take time.
“I still have it in me to give my maximum, perform as well as possible, and win. But I will definitely need time because, over those nearly three years, I’ve missed the kilometers on snow, the gates, and the racing experience. I’m healthy, and that’s the most important thing. If I didn’t believe it was possible, I wouldn’t be here,” she said.
As she prepares for the World Cup opening weekend in Sölden, she feels more confident in giant slalom than in slalom, although her knee can still occasionally cause discomfort.
“This is our plan. We’ll see how it goes, with full respect for my body,” she explained.
But perhaps the most significant transformation has happened away from the slopes.
“I started to realize that not everything is just about skiing. Gradually, I took everything into my own hands. I’m enjoying this journey. I’m not worrying about what will happen, but trying to enjoy what is happening now,” Vlhová said.
She admitted that her injury and the long recovery had changed the way she approaches both sport and everyday life.
“In the past, I started taking everything for granted, even victories. Now I know that nothing comes for free and life isn’t just skiing. I’m a completely different person. I live in the present and look forward to everything that comes,” she said.
Loyalty Beyond Victories
The press conference also brought an important announcement about Vlhová’s long-term partnership with Niké. Roman Berger, CEO of Niké, which is the title partner of the Niké Ski Team Petra Vlhová, confirmed that their cooperation has been extended through the next Olympic cycle.
Berger emphasized that the partnership has never depended solely on sporting results.
“Petra and we are not under pressure that she absolutely has to win. She has already won everything there is to win. During our partnership, we have celebrated Olympic gold, the overall and discipline World Cup titles, and many great victories. We see ourselves as a partner, and a partner should stand by you in good times and bad. If we were there when she was winning, I saw no reason why we shouldn’t be there when difficulties came,” Berger explained.
He also praised her determination throughout the recovery process.
“I don’t think the question now should be how many victories she will achieve. I’m simply happy to see her happy. It’s amazing that she never gave up and is heading towards her comeback. I watched everything she had to go through, and I can tell you that this is her greatest victory,” Berger said.
Berger said the new long-term agreement had already been signed, adding with a smile that negotiations had taken just three hours.
A Friendship Beyond Skiing
Their relationship has grown beyond a traditional commercial partnership. Berger and Vlhová have become friends, sharing experiences outside skiing, from attending sporting events together to enjoying traditional Slovak roast goose.
Vlhová added a humorous detail, pointing out that roast goose always comes with Pancreolan, a digestive enzyme medication. She also admitted that she enjoys good food.
The Olympic champion expressed her gratitude for the loyalty she received during the most difficult period of her career.
“Even though I was in a difficult situation, Roman stood by me, and I never felt any doubt that he might leave. Even though he could have. What I appreciate most is that today it’s no longer just about an advertising partnership, but also about friendship,” she said.
A Special Message for the Fans
Vlhová also expressed her appreciation for her supporters, who had the opportunity to submit questions through social media during the press conference.
“They are a big part of my career. I’ve missed them very much. I can’t wait until they can come again, enjoy the races, and I can be part of that,” she said.
A charming story from the world of ski fan clubs recently highlighted just how much Vlhová is loved beyond Slovakia. For her birthday, she received an unusual gift: official membership in Fan Club Feller Norwegen, a well-known fan group whose members are particularly visible at races in Schladming.
Manuel Feller also responded to the news, saying he was honored to have Petra as a member of his fan club. He congratulated her on the new monument honoring her alongside two other Olympic champions and on her return to racing.
The gesture is another reminder of how skiing brings people together across national borders, with fans celebrating athletes regardless of which country they represent.
For Vlhová and the fans who have supported her through recovery, her return will be an emotional moment.
Olympic Champions Honored in Liptovský Mikuláš
Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia, opened its new Park of Olympic Champions on Saturday, Oct. 10, unveiling a sculptural group honoring three Olympic champions from the region: alpine skier Petra Vlhová and canoe slalom legends Michal Martikán and Elena Kaliská. Vlhová attended the ceremony with fellow Olympian Jakub Grigar, an Olympic silver medalist in canoe slalom.
“I’m very happy about this initiative, and I hope it will inspire future generations. I’m seeing the statue for the first time today, and it’s a beautiful piece of work,” Vlhová said.
Her father, Igor Vlha, entertained the audience with his straightforward explanation of how the idea came about: “We talked about doing it, so we did it.”
The park was filled with fans who came to celebrate the occasion, and Vlhová took time to meet them and sign autographs.
Alongside Igor Vlha, Boris Krajči and Dušan Stančík were the driving forces behind the project. Their goal was to honor Olympic champions from Liptovský Mikuláš and bring their achievements and stories into a public space where they can inspire future generations.
With a new coaching partnership, renewed motivation and a different outlook on life, Petra Vlhová is approaching her comeback with both ambition and perspective. She still hopes to win, but plans to take her return one step at a time and respect her body.
About the Author: Darka Sefcik Starnova
