She, along with the women of ski jumping, have faced an uphill struggle in their bid to seek full-medal status at the Olympics. Van has remained steadfast, open, honest, candid and dedicated over the years. The recent weeks have not been easy, with the US Ski Team announcing that they would not be able to fund a women’s ski jumping team this season due to budget cutbacks. Despite this news, she carries on… and it was on the subject that we began.
Lindsey, thanks for taking the time with us. With all that’s been going on recently how are you handling things ?
Lindsey Van: At this point in the summer I am focusing on training and jumping. I can’t control what’s happening with the court case, so I try to focus on what I can control. It’s not always easy to focus on preparing for the upcoming season when I don’t know what it will entail.
The legal action by your group is taking a long time, when do you expect a decision from the BC Court?
LV: Yes, this court decision is taking a very long time. I thought we would have heard by now, but it’s a very complex case. The judge said somewhere within a three-month time period, so any day now. It’s a brutal waiting time though.
Dealing with this it seems you not only have the ability to focus, but also have the patience of Jobe.
LV: I would not say I’m that patient at this point, but I can’t keep myself up at night worrying about it anymore. It is out of my hands, and I did all that I could to try and make this happen. I am focused on my training as if it were any normal year, and I try not to think about the upcoming decision.
Has it been a distraction for you?
LV: A bit, yes. This decision will make or break the sport as well as the rest of my career, so it’s hard not to think of what I will do in either case. It has been taking so long, that I am trying to just take it one day at a time.
Let’s look back about what you accomplished last season. How do you view your historic win in Liberec ?
LV: Wow, that was a crazy time. At first I didn’t think of it being different than any other competition, but yes it’s a bit different. I feel honored to have won that competition, and lucky at the same time. I still have a hard time answering this question, because so much comes into my mind.
Has it changed your daily life ?
LV: My daily life has not changed too much. I still train the same, but there are a lot more requests for what my thoughts and ideas are. The first two or three months were nuts, but now it’s settling down a bit.
If women’s ski jumping doesn’t make it to the Games this winter how long might you keep jumping ?
LV: Wow, that question scares me. It’s so hard to answer. I would like to keep jumping, but financially it’s not the best idea if we’re not in the Olympics. I think I would retire or take some time off to finish school.
Do you feel like the standard bearer for the sport?
LV: There is a group of women at the top of the sport that share this responsibility. I have been competing internationally for 14 years now, so I have a lot of experience. I think since winning at the Worlds, more people look towards me, but I still think its a group effort.
The current situation reminds us of another women’s ski jumping star and trail blazer, Karla Keck, a true pioneer in her era as well.
LV: Karla was a pioneer, she did a lot for the sport. I wish she would have had some of the chances we’ve had in the recent years.
What are you working on to improve in your jumping technique this off-season on plastic?
LV: Focusing on quality jumps rather than quantity. I am trying to have a longer push on the takeoff, so I can get more away from the hill.
What do you most like to do when you get away from the sport?
LV: I love to ski, I ski as much as I can when I am in town in the winter, and spring.
What is your favorite chow down food?
LV: Sushi for sure!!!
Describe a perfect day Lindsey.
LV: Skiing with my friends, and hanging out later in the day.
Finish this sentence for me…”On a hot summer day, the thing I like to do most is….â€
LV: Put on a jump suit, and run up hills. Ha, no not really. Go boating and hang out on the water.
Favorite place you’d like to return to and why?
LV: Well, I don’t have an answer for that yet. Honestly I have not been too many places without a ski jump. I am ready for a real vacation, somewhere with a beach. I will let you know when I find a place.
Hey, what’s playing on your Ipod ?
LV: Nothing now. I really don’t listen to it much when I am not traveling.
Where do you hope to be ten years from now?
LV: Ah, another scary thought. I have no idea. Hopefully coaching a national team and helping the sport continue to move forward.
Thanks so much for chatting with us Lindsey. We have great admiration for you and wish you and all of the women the best of luck with everything that’s happening.
LV: Thanks.