An interview with Henrik Kristoffersen

By Published On: March 10th, 2014Comments Off on An interview with Henrik Kristoffersen
Henrik Kristoffersen racing in Jasna, Slovakia. GEPA/Martin Hoermandinger

Henrik Kristoffersen racing in Jasna, Slovakia. GEPA/Martin Hoermandinger

Norwegian alpine sensation Henrik Kristoffersen, just 19 years old, recently returned from the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi where he became the youngest male medalist in Olympic alpine history, winning slalom bronze. Since the 2013 edition of the FIS Alpine Junior World Championship in Quebec, he has moved on to World Cup level where he earned four podiums in the 2013/14 season. At the Junior Worlds in Jasna, Slovakia, he raced to double gold in both the giant slalom and slalom.

FIS Newsflash talked to the rising star.

Coming back from the big stage in Sochi, what does it mean to you to participate in the Junior Worlds?

It means that I am still young. It is always nice to come here. It’s the second time I was the Junior World Champion in giant slalom and the first time in slalom. It is always nice to win a gold medal, no matter in which events. The Junior Worlds differ in comparison to the World Cup. There is definitely more pressure on my shoulders as I am considered a top favorite. But it is great to have this experience.

The Junior Worlds are moving to Hafjell in your home country next year. Will you be there?

I really hope I will be there and race in my home country. I don’t know how it fits in with the Alpine World Championships in Vail-Beaver Creek (USA), but I hope that the schedule works out well so that I can participate in Norway. I really like going to the Juniors and hanging out with my friends and the athletes I used to race with.

What are your biggest goals?

The overall World Cup globe is one of my biggest career goals. That’s the biggest thing you can win as an alpine skier. And then the Olympics. It’s now four years until the next Olympics. Right now it’s still a long way ahead and I have enough time to train, compete and to gain more experience for PyeongChang 2018. For sure a gold medal in slalom and giant slalom would be my biggest goal in the Olympics.

Last but not least, who is your biggest idol?

Kjetil Andre Aamodt for sure. I really admire what he has achieved. He is a great athlete and has won so many medals in the Olympics, the World Championships and on the World Cup level. He is the most decorated skier from Norway, someone I really look up to.

Release courtesy of FIS

Share This Article

About the Author: SR Staff Report