Last World Ski Championships for commentator duo Hüppi/Russi

After the World Ski Championships in St. Moritz, a unique era comes to an end. Matthias Hüppi and Bernhard Russi have decided to end their commentating career together after 31 years. They commentated together for the first time on December 14, 1985 at the downhill in Val Gardena/Gröden, and the men's World Championship slalom on February 19, 2017 will be their last appearance as ski commentators. This was announced today by Roland Mägerle, Head of the SRF Sport department, at an SRF Sport media conference in view of the "World Ski Championships St. Moritz 2017".

Hüppi/Russi: A congenial duo since the mid-1980s

Russi was one of the world's best downhill skiers in the 1970s. He became downhill world champion for the first time in Val Gardena/Gröden in 1970 and repeated this success in Sapporo, Japan, in 1972. He also won an Olympic gold medal in Sapporo in 1972. After ten World Cup victories and two overall victories in the Downhill World Cup, Russi retired from active ski racing on January 29, 1978.

Since the 1978/79 World Cup season, Russi has been an integral part of Swiss radio and television ski broadcasts as an expert and co-commentator. At the 1987 World Ski Championships in Crans-Montana, he was also the first cameraman in the world to ski down the piste for a live TV broadcast. Russi completed his last camera run before the downhill at the 2003 World Ski Championships in St. Moritz.

With commentator Matthias Hüppi, Bernhard Russi has had a congenial partner at his side since the mid-1980s. Hüppi has been working as an editor, commentator and presenter for SRF Sport since 1981.

Stefan Hofmänner joins the commentary team for alpine skiing

Matthias Hüppi and Bernhard Russi will continue to be available for SRF Sport after the end of their joint careers. In future, Russi will be available as an SRF expert on a selective basis and at special skiing events. His involvement in the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang is already fixed. Hüppi will remain an employee of SRF Sport as presenter of the programs "sportpanorama" and "sportaktuell" as well as various live broadcasts. In his place, Stefan Hofmänner will join the ski commentary team of Jann Billeter, Marco Felder and Dani Kern. The successor to Bernhard Russi is currently still open and will be clarified in good time for the next season, according to the SRF announcement.

Matthias Hüppi: "My goal was always to stop at a time when the fire was still burning and I would have loved to continue for at least one more season. The collaboration with Bernhard is unique and a great gift for me. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the World Ski Championships in St. Moritz are the ideal moment to end this unique collaboration."

Bernhard Russi: "I have learned that there is no ideal time to retire or quit. Rather, there is the right time to start something new. Thanks to Swiss radio and television, I was able to continue living my dream in white sport after my active time as a ski racer. I have made countless fascinating friends along the way. With Matthias, I have the perfect buddy at my side. His professionalism, his expertise and his understanding of the sport and its athletes are unique. Working together has resulted in a strong friendship for which I am grateful. Thank you SRF."

Roland Mägerle, Head of SRF Sport: "Hüppi/Russi is more than just a commentary duo. During their 31-year career, which is probably unique in the world, the two have become a brand. It is hard to imagine that this career will one day be surpassed. It will remain unrivaled and unique. We consider ourselves lucky and are grateful that we have been able to count on these two proven voices in the Alpine World Cup for over three decades."

Photo: SRF/Marcus Gyger