Anja Paerson of Sweden at the start of the 2005-06 season

Anja Paerson of Sweden at the start of the 2005-06 seasonFor the third time in her career, Anja Paerson reached the podium in Soelden’s World Cup Opening a performance which delighted the defending overall World Cup champion. The Swede was looking for such a performance to be reassured of her form at the beginning of this crucial Olympic season. Here is a conversation with Paerson, courtesy of interviewer Patrick Lang.

Paerson: “What an interesting feeling to be back here. I’m one year older and so many things happened during last season. There are still some goals to reach this year and that’s what makes our job so exciting. … I’m more than pleased by this season start here in Soelden. I’m not in my best shape yet because there is a long break coming up now and I want to be strong in the middle of the winter. This summer, I took it easier than in the past in order to tank much energy because this may be my most important season.”

Ski Racing: Looking back at last season, what kind of emotions go through your mind?
Paerson: “I enjoy looking back once in a while. I’m not the type of person who completely forgets what happened in the past. I want to be proud of what I accomplished, for instance at the World Championships. You always try to improve but what is important is to be satisfied with yourself when you gave your best. It’s very hard, because I always push myself to get some new motivations for the races to come.”

Ski Racing: What’s up for you this winter?
Paerson: “I learned every day in my life but this year my biggest lesson will be to enjoy the moment I create. You can always do better. There is no way that you can reach the 100 percent once. That’s why there’s something to expect each time you get on the hill.”

“One of my goals this year will be the gold medal at the Olympics, but also to step up in every discipline. I was struggling in the technical events while I was really strong in super G.”

“I need to be more positive every day, and to be happy with what life gives me. Anyway my results will come at the end, so why not enjoying the travel? “

Ski Racing: What are you doing different now?
Paerson: “I don’t manage my life the same way. For example, a couple of friends came over to my place to spend the vacation time and I refused other contacts with the media or so. I was really relaxed spending my time between Monaco and Sweden. After my experience last year during springtime, when every day there was a new face and I couldn’t have a moment of intimacy, I understood that I would have to take more time for me.”

“I’m trying to be another person from outside, and don’t put too much pressure on myself. I know that I come up on the start house as a tiger and I give all what I have on the slope. I don’t have to panic because I’m naturally that way, and it’s in me. I don’t have to waste time to go to the level where I need to be, I’ll get there 10 minutes before the race. Right on time! No energy for things I don’t need. I have more routine now, all the races are in my head. I trust myself.”

Ski Racing: How do you feel physically?
Paerson: “Last year, I was overtrained at this period, and my testing and physical trainers advised me to change my tactic and to rest more. I followed what they told me, and I really feel that I’m more in form than last season.”

“I stayed in Monaco for most of my physical preparation, and for the ski camps, I did like last spring, going to Norway then back to Chile, Switzerland and Austria. I didn’t ski as much as I usually do. I trained more the speed events than slalom and GS.”

“It doesn’t mean that I won’t be at the same level. Last year, I came to the World Championships having a good chance to win a medal in every event. That was an amazing feeling. I definitely want to be in the same position again next February. I’ll try my best to be ready with my five disciplines in San Sicario and Sestriere. But I’m more than happy to come back home with one gold medal. That’s exactly what I need for myself.”

“I dreamed of this gold medal when I was much younger. So I strongly want to achieve it this year, it’s sort of a priority for me. I think I have a good chance in the speed events, especially in super G because I already won races on that Olympic run. There is no way that I’ll put this kind of pressure on me in Vancouver, when I’ll run my last season. The earliest I get it, the earliest I can have fun!”

“When you have achieved so many things in your career, you have to find some new motivations somewhere. I want to live something else in the future.

“I think at my other life, to be home, and have fun with the people I love.

“I want to make sure that as a person, I have a very good time every day and not only as a skier on the hill, racing.”