interview
Stefan Kraft is one of the greats in ski jumping. In the winter sports podcast he talks about records, world travel, pressure and the tough moment at the Four Hills Tournament.
Sports show: You lost the victory at the Four Hills Tournament with the last jump. How are you feeling almost two weeks after this painful moment?
Stefan Kraft: I am now at a very experienced age and have already experienced so much in ski jumping that I can put it aside or put it away relatively quickly. Of course, at first I was very sad and very unhappy about how things turned out. I knew that little things would make the difference. And that’s how it was. But the look is forward, the shape is right. But yes, at first it was very sad.
Sports show: What went through your mind after jumping and falling from first to third place in Bischofshofen?
Sportschau winter sports podcast, January 15, 2025 12:09 p.m
Power: The The first few minutes were very difficult. You wouldn’t believe what just happened. I was very self-confident. I was convinced that I could do it. I wasn’t prepared for the fact that we were actually missing four points because I was so confident that I could do it. That’s why the disappointment was huge at first. How it went, with the long break at the top, was very disappointing and simply sad at first. But I quickly realized it just wasn’t meant to be.
Sports show: You had harsh words for the race management after jumping…
Power: That was from the first emotion. A week and a half later I say the jury didn’t do much wrong. The only thing I’ll say in retrospect is that as a jumper you need more information at the top. You have no information, is it too good, is it too bad? Why aren’t there three or four forerunners? I would like to talk to the FIS about this again.
Sports show: After the jump, pictures were seen of her trying to comfort her wife Marisa. What did she say?
Power: I think I had to comfort her more than she comforted me. She lives it fully, stands by my side and was just totally disappointed with how things turned out. When I’m sad, she’s sad too. But it was only for a short moment, then we laughed again.
Sports show: Did the relaxedness between you, Jan Hörl or Daniel Tschofenig suffer as a result of this three-way battle for the tour victory?
Power: Of course we were disappointed at first, but we immediately congratulated Daniel and had a fun champagne shower on the podium. We should actually do that more often. Afterwards we went to the Österreichhaus together, where we celebrated and drank a bottle of champagne. It was funny. We had a nice evening. The relationship with Daniel is not disturbed at all. We get along very well and are friends.
Sports show: While Austria dominated the tour, there was heated discussion in Germany, including about the material. Did Austria have an advantage?
Power: I’m sure we didn’t have much of an advantage in materials. We simply worked very, very well and of course we saved the best suits for the highlight. I believe that every athlete puts out their best suit at the Four Hills Tournament.
Sports show: A big topic of conversation was the supposed miracle bond, which was also covered. Can you give us a little insight into that?
Power: That was more of a game between the media and our service team. We didn’t worry too much because we knew we were all being controlled. There was nothing there and I didn’t bother with it at all. I think it was more of a show than anything else.
Sports show: After the tour there was a World Cup break. Can you even take a break?
Power: I’ve already allowed myself two or three days. But of course you try to stick to your training rhythm. I also went cross-country skiing and went for a day or two of wellness with my wife. Just take the wind out of your sails for a moment, because things are going fast again. It was a good mix of regeneration and training.
Sports show: The Austrian Ski Association has an extensive training concept for young jumpers. Top athletes keep coming. What’s the secret?
Power: In Austria, many former ski jumpers immediately continue as trainers and pass on their experience to the young jumpers. This is very important to us. They want ski jumping to always remain big in Austria. Ski jumping is very important in Austria, and I am very proud and happy about that.
Sports show: The expectations of fans during a tour are high. How do you deal with pressure?
Power: Thank God I have the gene somewhere in me, or I’ve trained it, learned that I usually do my best jumps when it’s really tough, when there’s brutal pressure. I believe that is a gift. I have that in me and I can build on it. I’m extremely nervous up there, everything is shaking, I can hardly get a security tape in there.
Sports show: They gave extensive interviews during the tour and were close to the fans. Are you someone who soaks up the atmosphere?
Power: I’m definitely the type of person who has to communicate with the fans and not one who buries himself somewhere. I wouldn’t go on vacation alone either. I always need people around me, I need the hype, then I function best.
Sports show: After the triple victory for Team Austria, the fans’ expectations for the entire season and for the World Cup are also increasing, right?
Power: Of course we want to keep the momentum going and continue. The competition won’t make this so easy for us. They will go full throttle and try to make us nervous and unnerve us. Our big goal is team gold at the World Cup. I’m still missing this from my collection. We have good chances this season.
Sports show: They won overall last season. Is the ambition to win the big ball again even greater after the drama on tour?
Power: It’s also something that has to happen that you can’t plan for. I’ve learned that now. It’s always the trick to be successful again after a successful season like last year. So I’m super happy that I’ve managed to be one of the best again. That makes me incredibly proud. I think we can only talk about the overall World Cup after the World Cup.
Sports show: After the outstanding last season, you took a different approach in preparation and traveled around the world with your wife for six weeks. What did the coaches say about the idea?
Power: The trainers weren’t enthusiastic at first, but when they saw my plan, they were really excited about my idea and immediately supported it. It was really cool when you could just take time out of your job for such a long time. Of course I trained really well there and came back very fit. There was no drawback at all – except maybe a few jump units.
Sports show: Competitive athletes on a world tour. You didn’t lie on the beach for six weeks, did you?
Power: After three days without exercise, I stopped enjoying myself and was sent back to the weight room again and again. Or we went up a mountain. You can also go hiking in Hawaii.
Sports show: They are world record holders, three-time overall World Cup winners, multiple world champions and Olympic champions with the team. What dreams would you still like to fulfill?
Power: The one thing I absolutely need no longer exists. I don’t want to put that pressure on myself because I’ve already achieved so much more than I could have imagined. More important to me are the emotions that I get to experience when tens of thousands of Austrians, the team, the family stand shoulder to shoulder down at Bergisel and sing the national anthem. These are moments for which you train so much, so hard. Experiencing these emotions again and again, standing at the top and singing the anthem is what drives me.
The entire interview with Stefan Kraft, with topics such as the 2024 World Cup in Nove Mesto, which was unfortunate for Preuß, as well as her opinion on the rule changes in biathlon, can be found in the Sportschau winter sports podcast.