August 24, 2013 – Katerina Neumannova is the biggest name in Czech women’s cross-country skiing. She is the winner of 18 individual World Cups, double World Champion (Oberstdorf 2005, Sapporo 2007) and Olympic gold medallist (Turin 2006). An additional two Olympic silver and two World Championship bronze medals add to her remarkable career. After the 2006/07 season, Neumannova quit her professional racing career. FIS Newsflash had the opportunity to catch up with the Czech legend:

What does life after your sporting career look like?
KN: I am spending my time at work for army sport in my company and with my daughter Lucka. I am also collaborating with the Czech Olympic Committee. I like travelling and enjoy the cooperation with the Italian region of Trentino. I loved competing in Val di Fiemme and I am happy to still have the chance to visit the beautiful places there many times during the year.

Did you prepare for your life after sports during your career?
KN: It is very difficult and almost impossible. When you are a professional athlete you spend all your energy on training and competitions. When you finish your career, you usually start from scratch. That is the reason why I have been involved in the Czech Olympic Committee’s project “dual career”, which aims to help athletes with transition to life after sport.

How much time per month/year do you still spend on the race track?
KN: You will not see me in a race bib often as I still hate losing and it would happen quite often these days. From time to time I take part in a MTB race, I skied Marcialonga or compete in show events. I prefer running in the forest, alone and without an audience. I am enjoying sports in a different way. It’s a nice feeling that I “do not have to” and only “can”.

Who is your favourite athlete outside of your discipline with whom you would like to go for a drink and why?
KN: There are too many but to name just a few, having a drink with Roger Federer or Usain Bolt would be great. Unfortunately it is not likely to happen. When I am in Italy I like meeting Alberto Tomba. His charm is truly eternal (laughs).

Who was your best buddy on the tour when you were still competing?
KN: My best friends were always outside of the circle of my cross-country competitors. However, I loved meeting Manuela DiCenta, Vegard Ulvang and Vladimir Smirnov. They were older than me but represented a great source of inspiration.

Which athlete of your generation would you like to see compete in the Sochi Olympics and why?
KN: My favourite skiing generation was the one with Ulvang, Smirnov, Mogren and Daehlie. They were excellent skiers and at the same time great personalities.