Around the World
„I’m young and I have dreams to make come true!“
With the big changes in the structure of the French Nordic Combined team, it’s the youngsters who are now sharing the spotlight with veterans Francois Braud and Maxime Laheute. One of the young guns vying for a spot on the World Cup team is Laurent Muhlethaler. The 18-year-old from Premanon just handed in a recommendation letter with distinction: a double victory in the Alpencup competitions in Hinterzarten and the yellow bib of the tour leader. In TUESDAY TALK, he speaks about the summer preparations and his dreams for the future.
Laurent, you haven’t really been on top internationally before that last weekend in Hinterzarten and now you gave yourself the best 18th birthday present possible: a double victory on your birthday weekend. You build your successes on two very solid jumping performances (2nd). Is this the key to success?
Laurent Muhlethaler: I would say on this kind of jumping hill, a HS 108, the jump is already very important because the gaps between athletes open up fast. It is true that for some time now, I’ve been able to consolidate my jumping level and this allows me to rank in the top group at every OPA event. The jumping is clearly my strong suit but though these are nice jump, there is still a lot of room for improvement.
Which first conclusion do you draw about this summer’s work?
Muhlethaler: The second OPA weekend in Hinterzarten has validated the work done this summer. I am satisfied with the work I put in in spite of this having been a quite slow summer due to that I had to do my A-levels. On top of that, I have fully found my place in the new French Nordic Combined team structure. We really have a great atmosphere in the group.
How did your training go, especially compared to the team’s top athletes, Francois Braud and Maxime Laheurte?
Muhlethaler: Francois and Max are great indicators of my level. I can see where I stand in relation to them and track the progress I’m making to get to their level. What was visible was that I am getting closer to them in the jumping part. The ski part will come with the years and continued training.
So for the future, we imagine that you will try everything to be a part of the World Cup team in the winter?
Muhlethaler: Yes, indeed. I am happy with the summer preparation but my job obviously turns to the highest level. I’ll have the chance to prove myself against the other athletes for three weeks now and I hope that I can show my potential. I hope I will be selected to start in the World Cup despite my young age. I’m young and I have dreams. I’ll do everything to make them come true.
Laurent, you haven’t really been on top internationally before that last weekend in Hinterzarten and now you gave yourself the best 18th birthday present possible: a double victory on your birthday weekend. You build your successes on two very solid jumping performances (2nd). Is this the key to success?
Laurent Muhlethaler: I would say on this kind of jumping hill, a HS 108, the jump is already very important because the gaps between athletes open up fast. It is true that for some time now, I’ve been able to consolidate my jumping level and this allows me to rank in the top group at every OPA event. The jumping is clearly my strong suit but though these are nice jump, there is still a lot of room for improvement.
Which first conclusion do you draw about this summer’s work?
Muhlethaler: The second OPA weekend in Hinterzarten has validated the work done this summer. I am satisfied with the work I put in in spite of this having been a quite slow summer due to that I had to do my A-levels. On top of that, I have fully found my place in the new French Nordic Combined team structure. We really have a great atmosphere in the group.
How did your training go, especially compared to the team’s top athletes, Francois Braud and Maxime Laheurte?
Muhlethaler: Francois and Max are great indicators of my level. I can see where I stand in relation to them and track the progress I’m making to get to their level. What was visible was that I am getting closer to them in the jumping part. The ski part will come with the years and continued training.
So for the future, we imagine that you will try everything to be a part of the World Cup team in the winter?
Muhlethaler: Yes, indeed. I am happy with the summer preparation but my job obviously turns to the highest level. I’ll have the chance to prove myself against the other athletes for three weeks now and I hope that I can show my potential. I hope I will be selected to start in the World Cup despite my young age. I’m young and I have dreams. I’ll do everything to make them come true.
Source: fis-ski.com
