INTERVIEW ANJA PAERSON 2007/2008
Are 2007…Your 5 medals, including 3 Gold…
Tell us what help you to find back your confidence and best level but also to dominate by far in the speed events?
During the season I had problems finding an aggressive skiing style and to have one good run from start to finish. After a bad race in GS in Cortina my team decided to go up to Sweden and train instead of racing in Italy. We wanted to find out why everything was going so slow. After finding the problem, and regaining the freedom my skiing once had, I had no problem finding the confidence I needed.
How did your work on your boots and skis with your technician, Ales Sopotnik, your father and the Salomon technicians helped you to succeed in Are?
My father consulted a speed coach who I skied with for a few years, Anders Hansson. Together they made the angles on the boots less aggressive by hand and on a machine. Then, together with the Salomon technicians, we could fine tune everything.
How was it to share such an amazing achievement with your father and coach Anders, your family and your home fans?
I have a small team that works for me. My father Anders, Mikael Junglind and Ales Sopotnik. Together we fight alot and train hard. For me, to win the races in Åre was such a cool feeling. Not only to win in Sweden but to give a little bit back to my team, my family and to give my friends something to remember. I’m always happy in the finish but the best part is to share it with all the people I care about.
Next season preparation and goals for the future…
How did you organize your preparation and ski camps for the next season ? What about the team around you?
Together with my little team we took a different approach for next season. April, May and June we were training hard to have more time off in July and August. With global warming, glaciers around Europe have soft snow for long periods of time. I’m very happy with the plan because then I have 1 ½ months off from skiing. Unlike last year, I’m not going over seas. We are staying in Switzerland for the fall.
What will be your main goals for next season as there is no major event? Will you concentrate on the speed events to try to win a first crystal globe?
I really want to win a globe in one of the speed events, and this year I’m going for the big on: The Overall.
Could tell us a little about the new Racing Skis for next season: what consequences have the new FIS rules on the skis?
I think at the moment, the only consequences with the new rules from FIS, is that its costing the manufactures a lot of money! But if I’m thinking about my skiing; it’s been great. Im skiing faster this year with the new rule.
Your have won all the major titles and achieved almost all what a racer could dream of: what are your next goals and your motivation for the future?
Every day when I’m skiing I want to have fun. My motivation is to get better. Every snow, every slope, every race is different and a new challenge. It inspires me to try to be the best every day.
Skiing…
Your First skiing memories?
My father taught me how to ski. Everybody was skiing, all my friends and family. I love everything that has to do with it. I skied for Tärna IK Fjällvinden. My first race was when I was 6 years old. It was a tourist race and I was so nervous, but of course I won.
Your Key figures?
My family is so important to me. They know me so well both on and off the slopes. Without them I would not be where I am today. My friends are important too and always know how to make me happy. My mom and my sister are often at my races especially for the big events. The whole lot comes down. My family supports me and sticks with me at all times. With them, I can relax and be only the little girl: lilldoppa!
Your father and coach Anders ?
My father has been my coach for 3 years now. It was a decision that I wanted because I like his coaching. He didn’t coach me as much when I was young as he was already with the national Team. So I asked him if he wanted to join me on the World Cup and in the end it was possible. To have your own father with you is the best! He can be my coach and pushes really hard and when I have hard times or feel sad, I don’t even need to tell him because he see it directly and always find all the small details that help me. Actually he is my dad but I also took him with because he really is a great coach : he knows a lot about the materiel and also he knows mentally what I should do.
Your Technician Ales ?
Ales is a great guy who became part of my team at a time when the pressure was extremely high (spring 2005). I had a huge goal set for myself for the Olympics. Ales is one of the best and works more than most. It was really important that we could work together with a smile creating a strong team that could push each other forward. We have found a great tempo together and the skis are going really fast.
Life…
Your Home? Base?
I am now living full time in Monaco since December 2002 in my flat. It’s nice to come down from skiing and change into a bikini and just relax on the beach. I’m just cruising around doing nothing much.
Your other passions and interests?
If a have spare time, I spend it with my friends… Nice long dinners, movies. I also like to do sports… Beach volleyball and soccer
Your Ski camp & Academy and interests beside racing…
You have started a great project last year to share your passion with the kids from your country: what’s up and new with your camps and academy?
It’s so wonderful to work with kids. The camps I have had during last season were great. Some kids came back from last year and they really improved a lot and the most important thing is that they thought my camp was fun. I have a big passion for skiing and I like that I can share it with a lot of kids in the camp and the academy.
What else are you involved in beside ski racing?
I’m an ambassador for Right To Play. And in Sweden I’m trying to get kids to not try tobacco. Also I’m in an organization that works for doping free sports. It’s called Ren Idrott- Kleen sports.
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