These 2022 Winter Games will not remain etched in Alexis Pinturault's memory.
First inside, then hampered by a shoulder injury, the Frenchman squandered his last chances of a medal on Wednesday by finishing 16th in the slalom.
Twice medalist in Pyeongchang in 2018, the Courchevel skier spoke in the mixed zone about his various failures.
“My record of the Games is not good but I think it was my season that was like that and there was no miracle”.
A mental failure
First engaged in Super-G, the tricolor only finished the race in 11th position before falling during the alpine combined, damaging his shoulder at the same time.
Physically diminished, he finished in a very honorable 5th place on the giant but which did not bring him the slightest charm.
All before another disappointment this Tuesday in the slalom with this 16th place.
For Pinturault, the problem was mainly in the head: “I started the season tired (…) I felt that psychologically and nervously I was exhausted.
It is when I find this flame that everything will realign”.
🇬🇧 End of the slalom for our skiers.
Here is the ranking of our Blues:
🥇.
Clément Noël
16. Alexis Pinturault
See you on Saturday for the last alpine skiing event!
#AllezLesBleus #Beijing2022 pic.twitter.com/YmBhk9HH66
– Team France (@EquipeFRA) February 16, 2022
The Courchevel skier, used to playing the leading roles, also confided his frustration at not being able to hold his rank, not only at the Games but also for the rest of the season.
“I'm going to finish the season, I'm going to continue to hang on like I did at these Games.
But I know that I will not be able to fight to get victories and that saddens me because I am one of those champions who aim for the first places.
I'm going to have to hunker down and take a step back from this.
I have to rebuild myself”.
"Clement is a great champion"
Despite the disappointment, Alexis Pinturault still wanted to salute his compatriot Clément Noël, winner of the event and who therefore won the very first Olympic title in his career at 24 years old.
“I am extremely happy for Clément.
We get along very well, I like him very much.
He is above all a fine champion and he will be a great slalomer.
He is capable of doing wonderful things and he will continue to do more”.
A disappointed champion but a handsome player despite everything.