Mika Kojonkoski is lucky for the Norwegian team
The Norwegian team was very lucky at the end of last season. Mika Kojonkoski, most wanted trainer, agreed to work for the team “Vikings”.
Before Kojonkoski, who previously coached the national teams of Finland and Austria, he is respected by many more experienced trainers. Fin has his methods and does things in his own way. The successes of his charges are the crowning achievement of his work.
If Kojonkoski gives an interview, he always does it in a hurry – There is no time, to let loose for a while. The father of three is talking then, like a business man or a trader.
Mr. Kojonkoski, Do you still live in Kuopio or do you also have an apartment in Oslo??
Mika Kojonkoski: The world is my home. It's not really a problem. We still live in Kuopio and we thought for a long time whether we should stay there or live in Oslo, or perhaps divide your life between the two.
But I thought to myself, it will be better for the players, if I'm not with them by 24 hours a day.
We have training camp almost every week. These classes are very intense, because I am with them from morning to evening.
If it turns out, that this system is not good, I will move to Oslo….no questions.
The team has two second coaches. How the tasks are divided?
Kojonkoski: I am responsible for the first team, as all. I manage training camps and develop a plan for the whole year. The second coaches take care of the training of individual players in the country.
Before that, jumpers lived in four or five different places. Now we have achieved it, that everyone trains either in Trondheim or in Oslo. It works much better.
So how is the work with the other coaches going so far??
Kojonkoski: At first, we had a general plan, how to move forward. Corrections on the reflection at the threshold, slight changes in physical training and improvement in terms of equipment are our main goals.
I have to confess, that I was really surprised, that the Norwegian team was so deficient in equipment – for example, when it comes to individual ski preparation for each competitor.
You've already made significant progress with your hardware?
Kojonkoski: So. We are pleased with our equipment. There is already individual ski preparation for everyone. We are also satisfied, when it comes to overalls.
How did you survive the first month with the Norwegian team??
Kojonkoski: At first, I just had to get used to the training culture. A common language had to be found – identical expressions. I had to encourage the players, tell them my thoughts and ideas in English. We haven't had any bad experiences so far. Each day was a little adventure.
What do you think about the Norwegian players??
Kojonkoski: Ski jumpers have talent and potential. Their stature is perfect for this sport, they have a good foundation and are maximally motivated.
Which didn't work out well for the Norwegian team last season?
Kojonkoski: I think, that it was too hard a search for a recipe to get out of the crisis and too hard training.
If there are too many things to do during the whole year, it's not helping. It didn't move five years ago, for example, none, proper physical training.
How do you assess the results achieved during the Summer-Grand-Prix?
Compared to last season they were really good.
Kojonkoski: The rate of progress was certainly high. With such rapid growth, there is always the risk of a rapid decline. If you are improving step by step, normally you just get better.
There has been no breakdown so far. It looks like, that the team has a lot of self-confidence, thanks to the results of the summer.
Kojonkoski: Correct. The guys are diligent and hungry for success. Good results from the summer brought peace and a sense of security during training. And of course also a new motivation.
How did the first training in the snow go??
Kojonkoski: Very good. We should actually start training 10 November, but the jumpers were so impatient, that we started two days earlier. We were in Lillehammer.
I think, that we have never had such great conditions during the first training in the snow before – it was unique.
After a few days we went for two, three days home and then back to Lillehammer. On Sunday we go to Kuusamo.
There is still an important decision to make, who to nominate for the start of the World Cup. Our first team consists of seven players, and we can only take five to Kuusamo.
All is well with the health of the jumpers?
Kojonkoski: Currently yes. Bjørn Einar Romøren had knee problems, but ignoring it, everything is fine.
What are your expectations for the next season??
Kojonkoski: As for the results, it is our goal to place in the top 10 and two in the top 20 of the World Cup. But our starting position is this, that our best player is ranked on 35 place and we only have three riders in the top 50. For example, Finland has more than ten ski jumpers.