In the series "FIS Ski Jumping-Talk" we present interviews with ski jumping athletes and officials. Today: Stefan Kraft (22).

Next to Michael Hayboeck, Stefan Kraft is the leader of the Austrian team. At least since the retirement of Thomas Morgenstern and the break of Gregor Schlierenzauer, last year's 4-Hills-Tournament winner carries the hopes of the Austrian eagles. At the Ski Flying World Championships in Bad Mitterndorf this winter he won bronze with the team and in the individual event.

FIS Ski Jumping: Hello Stefan. How sad were you, that the second competition in Wisla was canceled? You would have probably wanted to make up for the 21st place on Friday?

Stefan Kraft: "It's always a pity when an event can't take place, but there's nothing you can do about it. I would have loved to jump again. I always enjoy being in Wisla and I can jump well there. Unfortunately this wasn't the case of Friday. Now I have to wait for the competitions in Titisee-Neustadt."

FIS Ski Jumping: We are already in the final phase of the season. How satisfied are you with this winter?

Kraft: "Very satisfied. I achieved everything I wanted. The most important goal was to win a medal at the Ski Flying World Championships on the Kulm. I even won two. A fifth place in the 4-Hills-Tournament is also a very good result and I was able to win a World Cup. Still I'm never totally satisfied with myself, because I know that I could do even better. But the others are no losers either (laughs). It was extremely difficult to beat the Top 3 this winter.

FIS Ski Jumping: Michael Hayboeck was able to do that three times in a row. Did you expect these three wins in Finland?

Kraft: Honestly I didn't. Of course we were hoping to be successful, but this season, with Peter Prevc showing such outstanding performances, you can't expect such a streak. It was great and it showed that it can happen really fast. Maybe I'll be able to that one day (laughs).

FIS Ski Jumping: When one thinks about Austria, he always remembers these outstanding years during which you won everything. Do you still feel a bit of a dissatisfaction despite this very good season?

Kraft: Of course we were spoiled by this success. No team will be able to repeat this in the near future, we won't either. Many other teams did a really good job, also many of our coaches are now working abroad. We are a totally new team now, it's not that easy. Everyone who knows ski jumping, will probably be satisfied with what we achieved this winter. We are on the right track.

FIS Ski Jumping: Gregor Schlierenzauer said good-bye to ski jumping at least for a while. Is there more pressure on you now?

Kraft: Basically it's not a bad thing to lead a team and be among the best, but that's all. There's no team captain, you put the most pressure on yourself anyway.

FIS Ski Jumping: You were on the podium in Vikersund and, like many others this season, you had Peter Prevc ahead of you. What do you think about his performances this winter?

Kraft: What he does is extreme. Not only this season, he was also among the Top 3 in the overall World Cup in the last few years. That's impressive. This year he took that final step and he's also very consistent. It's almost a bit scary to see how many points he scored. Probably he'll set a new record for World Cup points. I can't imagine he won't be on the podium in the final competitions. He is jumping sensationally, his technique is amazing. With such a close field of competitors it's even more impressive to see how much better he is.

FIS Ski Jumping: Peter was also the first to beat the Austrians at the 4-HIlls-Tournament after many years. How high is the motivation for revenge?

Kraft: Of course it's there (laughs). But nobody is talking about our streak anymore (laughs). You see that you have room for improvement and that you have to work even harder in summer.

FIS Ski Jumping: What do you concern yourself with shortly before the end of the season? Are you already thinking about next winter and the World Championships? Or are you just looking forward that there'll be a break soon?

Kraft: It's both. You are happy when things will get a bit calmer, but you are also thinking about what you can do better next season. There are also preliminary talks about the planning of the training.

FIS Ski Jumping: How much are you looking forward to the World Championships in Lahti next year after such a successful week in Finland?

Kraft: I like the hill in Lahti a lot and I think it will be a very cool ski festival up there. We enjoy being there and I think we'll have a good team and we'll be fighting for the medals.

FIS Ski Jumping: What are your goals for the final competitions in Titisee-Neustadt and Planica?

Kraft: I want to do well. Especially Planica is a highlight again, everyone is already looking forward to it. I have very positive memories of last year's event there. The hill in Planica was perfectly constructed. I want to have as many jumps as possible over 200 m or 220 m. And maybe I can be on the podium again. The atmosphere will definitely be sensational. Already at the Kulm there were almost more Slovenian fans than Austrians. It will get really crazy again in Planica (laughs).

FIS Ski Jumping: Do you already have plans for your vacation?

Kraft: Not exactly. First I will spend some time at home, go skiing and enjoy the winter. Then I'll also soak up the sun somewhere.

Berkutschi: Thanks a lot and all the best for the final events of the season.

Source: fis-ski.com