RooMXMatez TM: FLYING FOR GOLD

FLYING FOR GOLD

By Unknown Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Sport

Jernej Damjan is a longtime member of the Slovenian ski jumping and ski flying team and is currently one of two ski jumpers, who have successfully competed in the elite ski jumping and ski flying World Cups for many years. He made his debut in the World Cup at home, in Planica in the 2003/2004 season.

He reached his first podium of his career in the 2006/2007 season. the greatest achievements for him in major competitions have been in team competitions. At the World Championship in Oslo in 2011, along with his colleagues, they were in third place on a small hill, in 2015 at the World Championship in Oberstdorf they won bronze on the large hill and in Vikersund in 2012 the team won the bronze medal in ski flying.

Jernej, first let me say Hello to you. Last season (2014/2015) was quite successful for you in both, ski jumping and ski flying. How do you prefer to gather your strength for a new, upcoming season during the summer months, when there are no competitions in the World Cup?

Unfortunately, us jumpers don't have many free time, because we start with competitions already in June. We can take free time only from late March to mid-April. Then, I prefer to go to some places, where it's hot and you can rest your head and body. My favorite destination is Thailand.

In the previous season, we have experienced the opening of renovated, bigger and acoording to some, the best hill in Planica. What were your first feelings when you jumped at the new Planica giant hill?

The world record in ski flying is still being held at Vikersund hill, so our Planica isn't the biggest hill. I must agree though it is the best one there is in the World Cup. But you never know, maybe the record will move to Planica this year. When I heard that Planica hill will be renovated, I was afraid it wouldn't be as beautiful as the old one, but the workers did a fantastic jo band the hill is really excellent. The first feelings are always a little reserved at large hills, there is always some fear present. With the folliwing jumps, there comes just enjoying in the jumps.

Peter (Prevc) and Jurij (Tepeš) marked last year's, renewed Planica with outstanding achievements. In the end Jurij won and with that prevented Peter's victory in the overall World Cup standings and winning the large crystal globe. How do you look at this?

Honestly, this is a story that the jumpers have already forgotten and it is also difficult for me to watch how the media is still focusing on this. Sport is sport and Jurij was better in that moment, and that's that.

Let's touch the world record, made by Peter in Vikersund last February, when he landed at 250 meters. Unfortunately, the record was not in his hands for long, because Anders Fannemel flew one meter and a half further the very next day. Some might have thought that the record could fall again already in Planica last year. What distance do you think will be possible to land at in Planica in the future?

Last year Peter really didn't have luck with losing the world record in mere 24 hours. Depending on his form this season, I think he can retake it this year in Planica, because the hill allows long jumps. But it all depends on the weather, which already largely shapes each competition.

This year, Peter Prevc won the Four Hill Tournament again for Slovenia after 19 years. Really amazing what a form he is showing at the last competitions. Slovenian national anthem never gets old with the fans this season. It seems to me that because of Peter's achievements this season, ski jumping is receiving more attention even by those, who otherwise aren't great supporters of this sport. How did you experience all this great achievements this season?

Peter is in a really amazing form this season. I remember only Adam Malysz being that sovereign and so much stronger than the competition. Seeing how the jumpers were so equal in the recent years, I didn't believe that anyone could ever stand out so much ever again. Of course many more people are interested in ski jumping this year. As for me, I watch most of this season from my armchair, which personally I don't like, but things like that happen in sport.

Recently, you got a casual job at Planet TV as a commentator. How do you like that work? It is probably completely different being on the other side of the competition as you are used to.

This is really something entirely different. To me it seems, since I'm stil lan active jumper, I can see a lot more thaz other commentators and give viewers really those trivial information they are interested in and they themselves are not aware of them. I must admit, that I enjoy in this job this much this season, because it is a great use of time now that I can't jump.

You are very popular among the fans, as the rest of the guys. You and Robi (Kranjec) are a little older compared to the rest of the guys. What does this mean for your future career, will you compete at the Olympic Games in 2018 in South Korea or do you already have an idea about when to retire from the sport and put your skis in the corner?

I think Robi and me are not just a little but quite a bit older than the other boys. With the exception of Jurij, all are more than 10 years younger than us, which only shows that Slovenia has a huge base of good athletes and it only furthers us that we have to fight for our spot in the team and even jump better. Currently, I would like to rehabilitate my knee injury and return back in the next season in the right form. My desire is to compete at the Olympics in 2018 but you never know what the future will bring.

When can we expect you in the World Cup again?

Unfortunately, you won't see me back in Planica at the end of this season. My injury is too severe an obstacle to jump normally and good. Currently, I have a surgery planned and rehabilitation. I will start jumping again in the summer, but I think a short absence will only benefit me because the body needs some rest after 12 seasons in the World Cup. Next season I'll go with full steam ahead.

At the end let me ask you about your expectations for the ending of the 2015/2016 season. What do you think is the scenario that awaits us?

As I already anticipated, no one could threaten Peter's overall win this season. This is why this weekend there is going to be a huge celebration in Planica. I believe in our boys and that they will show good jumps in Planica.

Jernej, I thank you for your great answers and wish you a successfull return to the World Cup next season. See you in Planica, where there will be tons of spectators cheering our team on!

Jana Letonja

Contributing journalist