Janne Happonen – training world champion
There are several players, who did not have any significant achievements last winter, but everything points to it, that they can give a nice surprise to their fans during the Summer Grand Prix 2002.
Not out of the question, that they will be the topic of conversation now.
Wojciech Skupień not only jumps very well in training, but he has already confirmed his form at the Continental Cup competition in Oberstdorf.
Also Frank Löffler can record a good result. The new German champion recently won the competition in Obersdorf.
Fin Janne Happonen's hard work in training has already paid off. The junior world champion at the Finnish Grand Prix finished second, second only to Janne Ahonen.
We spoke to 18-year-old Happonen from Kuopio.
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The second in Lahti, victory in Kuopio and ninth in Vuokatti. With these results you qualified for the Summer Grand Prix. Are you very satisfied, Whether?
“In any case! In Lahti and Kuopio it was optimal, in Vuokatti, unfortunately, not everything went so well.
On Sunday in Vuokatti I had an optimal flight, it was important”.
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What do you think about these three competitions in Finland?
“I think, that is a good system.
Previously, only A-team players were nominated. It's better now.
In addition to qualifications, each jumper can compare himself with others”.
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You will compete in the Summer Grand Prix in Hinterzarten and Courchevel for the first time. You're upset?
So, I am. But I am looking forward to the next competitions. We've got new suits now, which should make it even more interesting.
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You know the hills in Hinterzaten and Courchevel?
“I have never jumped in Hinterzarten before, in Courchevel I made some jumps three years ago during a training camp”.
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What are your expectations for the FIS GP?
“There's really no real pressure on me. If I finish in the top ten I will be very happy. On the other hand, expectations will increase if all goes well. We'll see.”.
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Are you surprised by the good results at the Finnish Grand Prix?
“I was improving step by step.
I knew, I jump well, but I didn't know where I stood compared to the others.
The victory in Kuopio was already a surprise for me”.
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How the preparations in the summer went?
“I had no injury, everything was perfect. I've been training really hard. “.
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You have hobbies in the summer?
“Motorcycles, I had since I was little “crazy” about motorcycles.
As soon as I'm done 20 lat, I will buy a bigger machine”.
said Happonen with a broad smile.
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How important is it for you to be in a group with jumpers like. Matti Hautamaeki?
“It is very important. We train a lot together.
You can learn a lot from Matti and get your bearings, more or less, how good you are.”
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What are your goals for the winter?
“My first goal is to keep my place in the A-team. After that, I would like to regularly participate in World Cup competitions.
And if all goes well, I would naturally like to attend the World Championships in Val di Fiemme. It'd be great”.