August 04, 2010 – Fredrik Aukland has worked with Dario Cologna for a number of years, helping him become the successful and winning skier he is today. He worked with the Swiss Ski Federation for two years, but decided after last season to return to Norway. He’d had enough of traveling and wanted to be closer to his family. However, he still remains the personal coach of Dario Cologna and will be at many cross-country races this season, such as the Tour de Ski, World Champs in Oslo and the World Cup finals. Check out this FIS interview with Aukland and his discussion about ongoing work with Cologna.
Fredrik Aukland: Yes, I’m very happy with my new job. It’s giving me many new challenges, exactly like I wanted it. I now work with business, selling and developing sport equipment. I’m also involved in a project that develops an on-line training system for businesses in Norway. Our goal is to get as many people as possible to have a more active lifestyle.
You’re still coaching Dario Cologna. How do you see this working and how often are you in contact?
FA: The cooperation with Dario is going very well. As long as I have known him we’ve had good communication. I design his training plan and we talk approximately 2-3 times a week. Mostly we discuss the training and his program for the season. Dario will also come to visit me in Norway every now and then, and I will also go to Schnalstal in October. That way, we can also work with technique training. During the season I will attend Kuusamo, the Tour de Ski, the World Championships in Oslo and the World Cup final.
You helped Cologna reach the top of many podiums. How do you view his chances in Oslo 2011?
FA: Dario is young and hungry. He has already won an Olympic gold medal, the World Cup overall, individual World Cup races and the World Cup final. He wants to be a world champion and I believe he has good a chance. Everything has to be right on one day.
Tor Arne Hetland maintains a strong Norwegian presence in the Swiss ski system. Have you been in contact with him and have you given him any advice or tips?
FA: Tor Arne and I have work well together. I have great respect for him as an athlete and person. He is also becoming a very good trainer and I believe he will be in the game for many years to come. He has the ability and guts to say exactly what he means, and I appreciate that. I am more than happy to share my experiences as trainer with him, and sometimes I pick up the phone to do just that.