"Records are a nice bonus"

On the top of the podium 13 times; at the end of the season, overall World Cup winner: Only a bad fall at training could stop Gregor Schlierenzauer’s string of successes at the close of the season. An interview with the Austrian ski jumper about luck, school stress and a series of victories.

Gregor, how are you after your knee operation?

I’m actually doing very well. The accident was about three weeks ago and I’m pretty much pain free and getting around without a splint. I can’t use my leg fully yet, but I’ve already started with physio. In the next two weeks I’ll start with light weight training.

How did the accident happen?

I was testing materials in Ramsau [Austria]. The wet, heavy snow stopped me upon when I landed and I tumbled head first. When I was younger things like this happened a lot. This time, unfortunately, I tore a ligament. But I was lucky all the same: I got off lightly with the torn ligament and the timing could have been worse, as well.

You sustained your injury directly after what was your most successful and probably the most stressful season you’ve ever had. Have you had time in the last few weeks to be proud of yourself?

I’m very happy with my victory in the overall World Cup and with 95 percent of the season. I’m less happy with dropping out of the Four Hills Tournament. As in the last two years, I wasn’t in top form at the contest. But that’s going to change in the future.

A brief rundown of your list of records: Victory in the overall World Cup with 2.083 points, 13 season wins, six successes in a row and a total of 20 podiums. What do these records mean to you?

I wasn’t especially working towards records; they simply happened and are a nice bonus to success. The most important thing for me this year was certainly the triumph in the overall World Cup. But six wins in a row and 13 in the whole season are pretty damn good and a sign of dominance. I’m particularly proud of the 13 victories. After all, I did break the record of my idol Janne Ahonen.

You’re going from the take-off board to the school chair. Are you as successful there as in sports?

Hopefully. Luckily I don’t have any difficulties with a certain subject, but because I’m away most of the winter the next few weeks are going to be very stressful. I have major catching up to do for the upcoming tests and exams and have to learn a lot of new stuff. If everything goes well I’ll be finished with school in about 40 days and can then concentrate fully on sports.

How much does your injury set you back with training for next season?

I’m not worried about that yet. I want to slowly get fit again and don’t want to jump the gun. My injury has really shown me that I have to give my body a rest. And if I start jumping training a bit later, that won’t be too much skin off my nose …

… and in summer you would also be able to do your motorbike license, as planned.

Whether I’ll have time for that still remains to be seen. But because I’ve won a motorbike I want to get my license as soon as I can. After I’ve finished school I’m going to take a few days off and really store up on energy.