Around the World
Alexander Stoeckl: "We have achieved a lot"
For our interview series “FIS Ski Jumping-Talk” we speak to Ski Jumping athletes and officials. Today: Alexander Stoeckl (40) head coach of the Norwegian ski jumpers.
FIS Ski Jumping: How satisfied are you with how the start of the season went for your team?
Alexander Stoeckl: I'm satisfied, because this year we have more athletes, who are consistent on a good level. We don't have to rely on just one, like last year. I'm happy to see that new, young faces are coming up and slowly establish themselves in the World Cup.
FIS Ski Jumping: Is there an athlete, who was a positive surprise for you?
Stoeckl: So far especially Anders Fannemel surprised me. He showed some good progress in summer and currently he is our best jumper. It's good to see that he is a lot more consistent than last year. He taps his potential right now.
FIS Ski Jumping: What conclusions can you draw before your fourth season as Norwegian head coach?
Stoeckl: I would say we have achieved a lot. We can show some good results, but also have to deal with some inconsistency. Especially last winter we were not able to follow up on the previous season. There's a lot of work to do when it comes to the development of young talent in order to become even more successful. We are working on a long-term and multi-level improvement of the system in Norway, from the clubs, to the schools and the ski association.
FIS Ski Jumping: What goals do you want to achieve with the team?
Stoeckl: For me this is not just about results. What's important for me is, that the team is able to fight for the top. We need more athletes, who are capable of achieving top results. I could say that team medals and the Nation's Cup are important for me. Because with a good team you also achieve good results in individual events.
FIS Ski Jumping: Right now many Austrian coaches are working all over the world. Why is the coaches' education in Austria that good?
Stoeckl: Ski jumping has a long and successful history in Austria with different head coaches, but a constant system, like, for example, the schools in Stams and Eisenerz and key figures in the ski association, which provides a positive development. This culture also reflects in the coaches, who have learnt to think in the long-term, work systematically and lead everyone involved to top performances with an integrated approach.
FIS Ski Jumping: Which athletes, also non-Norwegian, have to be reckoned with this season?
Stoeckl: I would be able to make a lot of money if I would know that (laughs). It became even more obvious this year that many nations are doing a good job and the field gets closer. So far young athletes like Stefan Kraft and Michael Hayboeck of Austria showed good performances, Kasai doesn't even have gray hair yet and Simon Ammann will also have a say. The Germans have an extremely strong team. For us, I'm also excited to see Phillip Sjoeen compete. With his very good jump in training in Klingenthal he already what potential he has. And also Anders Fannemel and Rune Velta shall not be underestimated. Anders Bardal has high goals.
FIS Ski Jumping: What is possible for your team at the World Championships next year?
Stoeckl: Our goal is to fight for the medals in every competition. This will be difficult, but it's possible.
FIS Ski Jumping: All the best and thank you for the interview.
FIS Ski Jumping: How satisfied are you with how the start of the season went for your team?
Alexander Stoeckl: I'm satisfied, because this year we have more athletes, who are consistent on a good level. We don't have to rely on just one, like last year. I'm happy to see that new, young faces are coming up and slowly establish themselves in the World Cup.
FIS Ski Jumping: Is there an athlete, who was a positive surprise for you?
Stoeckl: So far especially Anders Fannemel surprised me. He showed some good progress in summer and currently he is our best jumper. It's good to see that he is a lot more consistent than last year. He taps his potential right now.
FIS Ski Jumping: What conclusions can you draw before your fourth season as Norwegian head coach?
Stoeckl: I would say we have achieved a lot. We can show some good results, but also have to deal with some inconsistency. Especially last winter we were not able to follow up on the previous season. There's a lot of work to do when it comes to the development of young talent in order to become even more successful. We are working on a long-term and multi-level improvement of the system in Norway, from the clubs, to the schools and the ski association.
FIS Ski Jumping: What goals do you want to achieve with the team?
Stoeckl: For me this is not just about results. What's important for me is, that the team is able to fight for the top. We need more athletes, who are capable of achieving top results. I could say that team medals and the Nation's Cup are important for me. Because with a good team you also achieve good results in individual events.
FIS Ski Jumping: Right now many Austrian coaches are working all over the world. Why is the coaches' education in Austria that good?
Stoeckl: Ski jumping has a long and successful history in Austria with different head coaches, but a constant system, like, for example, the schools in Stams and Eisenerz and key figures in the ski association, which provides a positive development. This culture also reflects in the coaches, who have learnt to think in the long-term, work systematically and lead everyone involved to top performances with an integrated approach.
FIS Ski Jumping: Which athletes, also non-Norwegian, have to be reckoned with this season?
Stoeckl: I would be able to make a lot of money if I would know that (laughs). It became even more obvious this year that many nations are doing a good job and the field gets closer. So far young athletes like Stefan Kraft and Michael Hayboeck of Austria showed good performances, Kasai doesn't even have gray hair yet and Simon Ammann will also have a say. The Germans have an extremely strong team. For us, I'm also excited to see Phillip Sjoeen compete. With his very good jump in training in Klingenthal he already what potential he has. And also Anders Fannemel and Rune Velta shall not be underestimated. Anders Bardal has high goals.
FIS Ski Jumping: What is possible for your team at the World Championships next year?
Stoeckl: Our goal is to fight for the medals in every competition. This will be difficult, but it's possible.
FIS Ski Jumping: All the best and thank you for the interview.
Source: fis-ski.com
