The ski jumpers have already started, and the female ski jumpers will also start the season in Lillehammer at the weekend. Also present: Luisa Görlich. In her column for sport.de, the 24-year-old reveals why she is approaching the World Cup winter with optimism despite difficult preparations.
The old season had its emotions – unforgettable for me and the highlight of my career: the world championship title in ski jumping for the women’s team in Planica. The images are still with me and somehow I still often dance the victory dance with Anna, Katharina and Selina in the run-out of the ski jump in Planica. An important step for women’s ski jumping in Germany. Successes bring sports up!
The new season is just around the corner and it should be at least as successful and emotionally charged as the old one.
But the pre-season started differently than I expected. Things were mixed in the summer and there was a problem in the run-up lane. We tried a lot, changed techniques and training methods, but the decisive step was a long time coming. Working on my approach proved particularly tricky. We spent hours analyzing videos and adjusting positions, but the desired progress did not materialize. It was only towards the end of autumn that I managed to identify the errors in my approach. Small adjustments, small corrections were necessary, but these changed everything. The jump suddenly felt different, my confidence returned, and I started to find “my jump” again.
Now the new season is just around the corner and I feel well prepared and stable. The belief in my abilities is back and I can’t wait to start the World Cup in Norway.
Ski jumping: special atmosphere in Lillehammer
I’m particularly pleased that we’re opening the season in Lillehammer this time, as I’ve always felt a special relationship with Norway, the country and the people. The enthusiasm and passion of the winter sports and ski jumping enthusiasts here is incomparable. In Lillehammer, skis are present in every alley and street, as some Norwegians even go shopping on skis.
The confidence in a successful start to the season is palpable, as is the confidence that women’s ski jumping will continue to develop. We also work hard on the overall product next to the ski jumps around the world; Unfortunately it doesn’t happen as quickly as we women would like, but this year for the first time there will be at least half a Four Hills Tournament at the turn of the year with stops in Garmisch and Oberstdorf.
Back to the beginning: Hopefully the hard work of the last few months will pay off and I will do my best to show my performance. I’m looking forward to starting the upcoming season with smiles and positive memories. The German women’s team is very self-confident overall. We all want to attack the overall World Cup, each in our own way: Norway, here we come – ready to jump!
Best regards
Luisa Gorlich