What do you expect from the 2019/2020 season?
I can sum it up in three words: personal growth, importance and serenity. This will be a season of growth in which my goal is to improve myself continuously as a person and as an athlete. I will not be competing in any world championship events and so every competition will be important. I will not need to hold back to preserve myself for another race. And serenity because I feel really very serene. I am starting aware of what I have achieved. I hope that this moment of serenity will last throughout the season.
You injured yourself last year.
I don't dwell on it. I am fired up because my bones healed very well by themselves.
What's your goal?
My goal is speed. I want to explore my potential to the fullest. Of course, I would like to assert myself in super-G and confirm myself in downhill skiing, perhaps winning a trophy or two in the finals in Cortina.
And what about the giant slalom?
I do not expect much from the giant slalom, I am starting too far behind. I have no expectations except to give it my best and play it out. Downhill and super-G, on the other hand, are my specialities. I feel that long skis are like a continuation of my own body. Sweeping curves mean joy and freedom for me. It is a feeling that cannot be put into words. Speed is the maximum expression of my character.
How do you find your balance?
By devoting extreme attention to detail, knowing what I want and never forgetting where I come from. I have learned to give my all, touching the limits. That is my balance.
How did you train for the season?
In the gym and skiing, but with a different approach. My new trainer focused on resistance training with weights but also on agility. We worked on improving my motor patterns to move better during races. I also had a few training sessions with the men's team.
Who is the rival to beat?
Myself. I always compete against myself and if that is good enough to beat everyone else, that is fine with me. Every morning I look at myself in the mirror. My challenge starts then.