Stephen Hocke “I have to try to achieve something in competition”
Stephan Hocke caused quite a surprise for German fans last season.
He accomplished a lot in his first season. He won a gold medal with the team at the Salt Lake City Olympics, and also celebrated his cup victory in Engelberg.
Many see the Oberhof jumper as a third force, behind Sven Hannawald and Martin Schmitt, in the German team.
Hocke has an exaggerated ability to correct mistakes, national team coach Reinhard Hess praises his ward. Despite his early successes, the young German remains the same, a modest player.
Stephan, The start of the season is getting closer. How is the situation compared to last year, when did you start your journey with “cup circus”?
Stephen Hocke: I know a few people better.
First of all, people know me better, they can judge me better.
This is admittedly rather unfavorable, but the less I worry about it.
Summer-Grand-Prix did not go optimally for you.
You see preparation errors?
squat: Although the competition in the summer was not so good, We are very pleased with the course of training. I have to try, to achieve good results in competitions.
T
you got new equipment this year?
squat: I test new skis every year. However, I have to decide, which are appropriate. This summer I jumped on skis from another company. I haven't decided which ones I'm going to jump on yet. New model, in no case, it was no worse than my previous Germina skis.
After a knee injury sustained while playing basketball, you recovered quickly.
It wasn't that serious, as initially feared?
squat: I took a break for two weeks. In the third week I started loose training. I did have slight pains, but I had to grit my teeth.
You've been left behind by an injury?
squat: I think, rather not. Among other things, I spent a week at a camp in Turkey. Everything went right, but I will know exactly after the competition in Kuusamo.
Speaking of Kuusamo. If Martin and Sven aren't fully recovered yet, you will be number one in the german team. You feel pressured or motivated in this situation?
squat: That's not how I see it, also if last year I was the best German behind Sven and Martin. There are many in our team, who can take the lead.
What are the demands of your coach this winter??
squat: The coach expects more from me all the time. The pressure is naturally greater. But I don't bother with it.
How do you want to avoid the pressure?
squat: I take this case quite lightly.
You have to be successful every year and prove your class. Things change quickly in ski jumping.
It's important to me, that there are achievements and, above all, that the technique agrees.
Then I will be satisfied even without a cup win.
Reinhard Hess recalled last season, that you are often in training “bungler”. You've changed your approach to training?
squat: With this “bungling” I can't quite agree.
I also trained well last season.
Just, that my results in the competition were clearly better than those in training. This year it is exactly the opposite.
I am not satisfied with my results in competitions.
You have some long-term goals?
squat: I don't have any long-term goals. It's not that easy in ski jumping. If you try, then it doesn't come out. He just plans season after season, actually contest after contest.
How great is your joy, because next week you start jumping in the snow?
squat: I'm already very happy. It's a different feeling to jump in the snow. Ski jumping is a winter sport.
So the Summer-Grand-Prix didn't mean much to you?
squat: of course! Winter is simply much more valuable.
Who do you count among the favorites for the World Cup in the upcoming season?
squat: Despite their injuries, they are Sven and Martin. But I also count Andi Widhoelzl and Adam Małysz among the favourites.
I expect a few more surprises. Probably the Finns will also confuse.
Norwegians can fight too, but i don't really believe it, they will jump evenly.