A hard season has just come to an end for ski jumper Thomas Morgenstern. In an exclusive interview he talks about the highlights – and lowlights – of the past six months.
The 23-year-old Austrian also tells us about his mission of completing his dream house and what he might do after his skiing career comes to an end...
It was a really exciting winter. Looking back, what was the best part of it for you?
Definitely my World Cup victory in Bischofshofen at the Four-Jump tournament. Winning at a jump that isn't really my kind of thing makes it even better. It was a dream come true, especially when you think about the competitors who were in great shape. Oh, and standing next to tour winner Andi Kofler during the medal ceremony was special too. And, of course, the Olympics.
What was your least favourite moment of the 09/10 season?
My disqualification in Sapporo [Thomas opened his suit at the leg which was not allowed and led to his disqualification]. This cost me second place in the World Cup and 80 points. The ironic thing is the rule that prevented me opening my suit no longer exists. That's another way to write history [laughs].
You spoke about the Olympics. How did you kill your spare time between the competitions?
We brought a lot of games with us. During the stay in Vancouver we played nothing but table tennis and table soccer. I love it – it keeps your mind off things. What can I say, I just love challenges! I remember a few years ago we used to bring a darts board wherever we travelled.
Who is the best table tennis player on the team?
I really tried to improve my skills, but Wolfgang Loitztl is just unbeatable.
Did you talk about the bad results for the male skiers?
Not during the games. We were really busy thinking about ourselves. We had high goals. But we definitely rooted for the ski team. A few years ago they won everything possible. Just because it couldn't be repeated this year doesn't mean it's the end of the world.
As an athlete, do you know how they felt?
Sure! Everyone knows that feeling. As soon as you have a bad season a lot of people disappear who were around you during the good times.
You are currently building your own house. When will it be completed?
We are pretty close. It will be done in about two or three weeks.
Is Thomas Morgenstern a talented builder?
I would have loved to do more, but, with all of the traveling, you are hardly at home. And if you are, you are just in the way [laughs]. But we have great guys at the building site. It's a nice alternative to sport.
What are the most exhausting things about building a house?
Waiting for the finishing day is the most exhausting thing ever [laughs]! Joking aside, it is really exhausting picking out every single detail. Like lamps, armchairs and so on. But that's the price you have to pay for perfection.
And the nice things?
You see your life-long dream become reality. That means so much to me. I am truly grateful to have these possibilities, being just 23 years old. What I also love is the fact that I finally have enough space for my sports stuff. My apartment was simply too small. Now I even have my own lumber room!
You already have a flying licence for small planes. When will we see you flying the real big ones?
I just got started. Flying maybe will be something I want to do after my career. But I am not really thinking about what will happen in 10 years... maybe I'll join the Flying Bulls?!
Visit www.thomasmorgenstern.com to keep up to date with the Austrian's aims and achievements.
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