Sven Hannawald “Health has absolutely priority”
Last season Sven Hannawald was a super jumper.
He won all four competitions of the 4-Hills-Tournament, which has not been achieved by anyone in the entire 50-year history of this event.
After a long break due to a knee injury, the jumper from Hinterzarten has already seriously started preparing for the winter season. Hanni looks to the future with hope and optimism. In the new season, however, health will be the top priority.
Sven, What was your first training camp with the team after the injury like??
Sven Hannawald: I was absolutely satisfied, because I was training with others again. The atmosphere in the team is just great. My jumps were good and I didn't feel any pain with them.
I am very satisfied.
How are you going to catch up with your workouts in such a short amount of time, for the first cup start 29 November?
Hannawald: I just train all the time, Just, that I did not jump in the summer. Instead of two stages of muscle building, I only had one. But in general everything is like this, like last year. I have to wait for it to work. I can't do more.
How big is your motivation for the next season?
Hannawald: I am very motivated and satisfied, that the injury has been healed. I'm trying to get this knee thing out of my head right now. This is in the past and I will try to attack in the winter.
Have you changed the angle of view to ski jumping after your injury?
Hannawald: Surely. Ski jumping gives me great pleasure, but I also know, that my health matters too. And it has absolute priority.
Will you be jumping on old equipment or are you planning any changes?
Hannawald: I jump on the same brand of skis all the time, but i have tried a few others. The equipment needs to be even better suited to my technique. The details are secret.
After a very successful season, next is always, As you know, heavier. Do you feel pressure on yourself?
Hannawald: Naturally, the pressure is greater. Everyone expects such successes, like last season. Then it just went great. Will it happen again, no one knows. I'll try anyway.
What are your goals for next season??
Hannawald: I want to be healthy and then you can think about winning. I jump with a calculated risk. I don't want to win every prize. I don't even want anything, if it didn't work properly after that.
In case a disappointing season comes, you will consider ending your career?
Hannawald: It depends on, how everything will turn out. I would analyze it. If I notice, that I am in a long-term low, I will consider this step. For now, I want to jump that long, how is this possible.
This season the World Championships will be held in Val di Fiemme. How much value do championships have to you in comparison
with the tournament?
Hannawald: Winning the tournament is above all else. There are four contests, which decide about winning and that has its charm, but it is also difficult. Of course, I would also like a medal. I will try to do everything at the world championships.
you believe, that someone can quickly repeat winning all the competitions of the 4-Hills-Tournament?
Hannawald: I have no idea. It's damn hard to say. After all, I had equal conditions in all four competitions. The lead will be getting narrower and the hill profiles will be more and more similar.
It is certain, that someday someone may repeat it.
Who will be your biggest competitor next season?
Hannawald: you, like Martin, Malysz, Widhölzl, Ahonen…
There are actually ten jumpers-favourites and three, who may surprise you. I think, that Malysz is saving for the winter.