Toni Innauer – The recipe for success is hard work
Toni Innauer, The sports director of the Austrian Ski Association has set up new structures in the association. Hannu Lepistoe, Stefan Horngacher and Heinz Kuttin are the perfect team of trainers. Alexander Pointner was appointed by Innauer as head of the second squad. A lot has changed in the team since then, definitely for the better. First of all, young players make a sensation in the World Cup.
Skispringen.com: W 51. At the 4-Hills-Tournament, the Austrian did not win any competition. The final victory was achieved by Janne Ahonen from Finland. Are Austrian jumpers disappointed??
Toni Innauer: NO, not at all. In fact, it wasn't that bad. The results achieved have shown, that we are very good as a team. There is great potential in the team. I'm not trying to consider everything based on successes.
that means, that you evaluate the tournament positively?
Innauer: In any case, I'm very happy. Many players were in the top ten. You can see our work.
What do young people do, that they suddenly become so strong? Liegl and co. were not visible before the winter. Do they have a recipe for success?
Innauer: It's all about good work. Before the season, we had many wishes to fulfill. Alexander Pointner dealt with many issues. He did a very good job. Added to this were the ideal training conditions at the Bergisel ski jump. We could train there all year round perfectly.
Young wolves jumped into the team A. How difficult is it for example for jumpers like Reinhard Schwarzenberger or Wolgang Loitzl to get Hannu Lepistoe into the team?
Innauer: Schwarzenberger is developing well with the youngsters and maybe the form will come again. At the moment there is a little stagnation. Loitzl is a huge talent. Two years ago he was the best Austrian in the World Cup.
Does Loitzl have problems with motivation?
Innauer: NO, Alexander Pointner told me, that he is doing well. Must be patient.
You could enter three teams for the world championship in Val di Fiemme, which would successfully compete for medals. How hard will it be to choose the best from such a mass of players?
Innauer: This decision is certainly not an easy one. We will look for a system, which gives every player an equal chance.
You can exchange five jumpers for the world championships?
Innauer: NO, I don't want to do that here. Besides, it's none of my business. This should be decided by the coach.
What are your goals for the World Cup in Italy??
Innauer: We want to win two medals, one individually, second team. Our goal, wish is a gold medal
in a team competition. It's not unreal at all. Individually, the case is open.
Before the season started, Mr, that if the company's suits are fit for use in competitions, then the players will be
jump in them. So they're good?
Innauer: So, usually Liegl and Morgenstern jumped in them.
Why do juniors mostly jump in new overalls?
Innauer: The players are so sensitive to the new suits, like skiing. We will cooperate in two ways, with Meininger and Schneider.