Olympic skier Maarten Meiners: “No one knows the descent in Beijing”

Corona

The special circumstances to which the North Hollander refers are mainly corona-related. For example, it was difficult for him to train. “In Austria, all ski lifts were closed during the lockdown. A few were open for top athletes. Then the Austrians were of course at the front and we were at the back of the row,” Meiners told NH Sport on NH Radio.

Beijing

He does not know the track at the Beijing Olympics. “Actually, nobody knows him. The test event was canceled because of corona. I only saw some things online, so that will be special,” he says. “I have to concentrate on my form. I have to show my best form there. Then there will be a top fifteen. I am not just going to Beijing to participate. I want to perform”, the skier from Naarden is clear about his ambitions for the Olympics.

The 29-year-old Meiners did not meet the predetermined qualification requirements of the NOC*NSF. He actually had to finish in the top eight once or twice in the top sixteen in the Giant Slalom World Cup.

That didn’t work, but the sports dome pointed out the skier anyway. “I did not expect it if you only look at the numbers. On the other hand: I am the first Dutchman to have finished in the top thirty twice, so they have taken that into account.”

Future

Meiners is convinced that he will get even better. “I think I can ski in the top fifteen with the level I have. It’s a technical sport and your equipment has to be adapted to me and the snow. You also have to be able to read the descent. So experience plays a role. “

On Sunday 13 February, the North Hollander will compete in the Olympic giant slalom. The best thirty from the first run qualify for the decisive second run.