I am sad that we talked more about jerseys than jumps

Anze Lanišek It is also in the pre -Olympic winter 2024/25 the oldest Slovenian ski jumper. But with what he achieved, the Domžale ace was not entirely satisfied. As the 28-year-old SSK member Mengeš himself emphasized, he expected more. But again, he has gained a lot of new valuable experiences, for which he is very grateful.

What is the biggest charm of the Planica World Cup final for you?

“This is definitely a big jumping holiday. When mentioning Planica, probably everyone first thinks of jumps or flights. Because of her, we started doing this sport. You can make sure that there is something more when you experience it. As a kid, you just dream of getting down the giant once. « 

Have you also visited the spectacle as a child?

“Yes, we usually went with the club there on Thursday, when they were qualifying, and several times we were in Friday’s match. It was always wonderful. « 

What is the most in your memory?

“I remember that we were collecting the signatures of the jumpers, which we had previously admired only on television. We competed with each other, who would collect more. « 

Where is the most beautiful in the valley below Ponce?

“At the top of the aircraft, on the starting bench. And below at the end. Especially after a flight that makes you really good. As when I flew to a personal record (244.5 m). Then – if I say at home – the valves opened up and I really enjoyed it. It is also nice in the air once you feel the pressure under the skis. « 

What do you mean to you from the trondheim World Cup – gold from team matches and silver from mixed team tests?

« That we are on the right track, but we are not yet where I want to be. »

How would you evaluate your performances there?

“They were excellent in team matches, and in the individual (8th place in the middle jump and 4th in Veliki – op. P.) Solid. Before leaving for Norway, I set myself four medals. In every major competition, I get useful lessons from which I learn something new. I hope to be able to redeem them in the future and that I can pull the best on myself on a specific day. « 

How satisfied are you with the season?

“To be honest, I’m not the most satisfied. Certain periods were top notch, looking at the winter as a whole, but I did not show what I know and I could. I had completely different plans, which I have repeatedly said. But I got new experiences that I am very grateful for. « 

What will be the most in your memory?

“Maybe a match in Zakopane, where in the first series, I managed a really phenomenal performance. It was a really capital jump. Even in Willingen, I went very well with my feet, which I am surprised, because in the past I didn’t just shine there. This year, I was surprisingly well caught up with the device there. This time, I quickly realized what I had to do and how, and the podium was just the result of good performances. « 

You traveled to Lake Placid before the championship and then released the saporo. Did you make that decision before the season and why?

“Due to the time difference, I intended to release both venues at first, but then I changed my mind and decided to travel to the US. I decided to do so when I learned that in the meantime, they also erected security nets against the wind in Lake Placid, which had not been there before. Because of this, the matches were fairer there, but it was not ideal. But with the net, they have taken a step in the right direction, and they have to improve it, as the wind quickly changes the direction and power of the blowing. It is not a good idea to blow someone with 2 m/s, and the next one is expected to reverse with 4 m/s. « 

How do you like in the US? The atmosphere in the matches is very special, right?

“Polish immigrants are dominated by viewers, with the most red and white flags. It would be interesting to have matches in Iron Mountain, where it is a little different. When I was there at the Continental Cup event, spectators filled the parking lot with semi -trucks, from which they then watched the matches and greeted us with the trembling. I wouldn’t complain if you made any tour of the US. « 

The Nordic SP was overshadowed by a scandal that was boiled by the Norwegians with unauthorized processing of competing jerseys. How did you experience the VV Trondheim affair?

“I have a hard time commenting on anything. Unfortunately, what happened. That’s all I can say. Well, the most sadness is that we talk more about jerseys than jumps. « 

An unusual disqualification has previously been hit by you. What did it actually go to Oberstdorf?

“Prior to the match, the competent joints announced what and how they would measure, and this information did not come to me. And if you don’t know how to put yourself as it should, what happens. At that moment, this did not go into my account. But in the end, the competitor is the one who bears responsibility, and so I was disqualified. It wasn’t easy for me to devour this because I really didn’t care. But now, what is, I can’t change anything anyway. But I have to say that I then jumped forward with the same jersey. « 

This was followed by Willingen, where Timi Zajc was disqualified in the mixed team match. You then put your finger on your mouth after jumping, as if you wanted to silence someone.

“I saw something that was said to be disqualifying. It was happening to everyone in the eyes. That made me angry, as I had the feeling that it was not the same for everyone. I hope there will be no such thing anymore. « 

At the Trondheim World Cup, Anže Lanišek contributed a significant share to the golden team laurel and the silver medal in the mixed teams. Photo: Leon Vidic/Work

Also, there was a lot of talk about equipment again. Have you talked to each other about how to improve things?

“There is a lot to improve, there have already been many useful suggestions. But everyone has their own vision, and in the International Ski Association (FIS) they pursue their own. Considering how they have changed the rules in recent years, they, in my opinion, made steps back instead of forward. The charm of ski jumping is that you jump as long as possible at the lowest speed. Then they said that they were running out of joint places at the ski jumping grounds. Unless otherwise, development should be followed. It would be necessary to invest more money, change the jump profiles … We will always strive to try to make the most of our equipment and our physical abilities and fly as long as possible. And the smaller the speed, the smaller the chance of injury. « 

Director of jumping competitions, Sandro Pertile, also raised dust with statements.

« Do you have in mind after the match in very variable conditions in Ruka, should we go if something is not right, prefer to play table tennis? »

Yes, just that.

“Well, my answer would be, then let him jump. That’s my opinion. The easiest thing to do is just talk. These are people who have not jumped for a good time, so they do not know how to fly now. Due to all these changes to the equipment rules, the jumps have become even more sensitive. It is the same with Formula 1; The lighter the race car, the more sensitive to every breeze and the faster it takes away its rear. But I have to say that because of Sander’s statement, I did not nerve too much. « 

How do you comment on Pertile’s idea of ​​combining men and women’s matches?

“I find it a pity those venues that are very welcome for girls, such as the one in Ljubno, where the matches always attract a lot of spectators and are also very watchable. As far as people gather there, they do not together at four other women’s events. « 

The Great Crystal Globe will again conquer the Austrian. Why do you think the northern neighbors are so strong?

“The start of the season was expected to be superbly prepared. They have a good system that has been built for many years and also stick to it. It works well more than obviously, which also looks at other competitive levels. For example, the home test for the FIS Cup was occupied by the first eleven places. They also have many such jumpers who persist for a long time; They also belong Ulrich Wohlgennant (1994), which still competes successfully at lower levels. Obviously, they have good (financial) support, because at this age, as a rule, they long long ago end the sports path because they simply cannot afford it anymore. « 

Have you also used a day in winter to ski?

“Yes, once we went with Ijan Luka to Jezersko. That I was able to spend one day with my son in the snow, it meant a lot to me, as I don’t have many free days in winter, let alone weekends. «