The Swiss can now call themselves world champions in three disciplines. At the World Championship in Courchevel two years ago, he won both in downhill and giant slalom.
Odermatt roared and raised his poles to the sky – perhaps as much out of relief as joy – when he crossed the finish line after today's brilliant performance.
Near the perfect run
The run was very close to perfect. There aren't many such perfect days, perfect runs, says Odermatt, reminiscing:
I got the opportunity to experience it two years ago in the downhill in Courchevel, when you cross the finish line and feel that it can't get any better. It was the same today. It's incredibly nice to be world champion in super-G.
The 27-year-old was a whole second faster than the home favorite, Austrian Raphael Haaser.
Norwegian Adrian Smiseth Sejerstedt finished 1.15 seconds behind – and the Olympic fourth-place finisher got his long-awaited first championship medal after a nervous wait.
There's always some guy who comes from behind, he said to Norwegian Viaplay shortly after crossing the finish line.
Not this time.
Felix Monsén, the only participating Swede, left the starting gate as number 23.
Didn't make it
Before the race, he told Viaplay:
Here it's a bit more classic swing-swing. I think there are 18 turns in a row. It's really about daring to send it and seeking speed.
The one who dares to go the cleanest and seek the most downhill stance is the one who will win. I'll do everything I can and then we'll see what it's worth.
He found neither the right rhythm nor the right lines. Monsén crossed the finish line as the 16th skier, 2.65 seconds slower than Odermatt, but eventually fell to a shared 20th place.
The women's downhill is next in the alpine World Championship on Saturday, and the men's on Sunday.
