July 15, 2011 – Finnish cross-country skier Matti Heikkinen found some time in the middle of the training season to talk to FIS Cross-Country News about his training year. Heikkinen’s season last winter was highlighted by a gold medal in the men’s 15km classic at the Nordic World Championships in Oslo.

Matti Heikkinen (FIN) wins the men's 15km classic at the Nordic Worlds in Oslo (NOR) © Nordic Focus

Matti, when you were young in fact you started with a different sport?
Matti Heikkinen: Yes, I played (Finnish) baseball until I was 14. But I was not really good at it so I quit.

Why did you choose cross-country skiing?
MH: I was always attracted to an individual sport. I like the freedom, which you have. It goes hand in hand with the responsibility that you have for yourself. It is something totally different from team sports.

What would you do if you were not a professional cross-country skier?
MH: Well, I think I would not do any other sport at a professional level. I would be studying and then find a normal job.

After your gold medal in Oslo you said you hoped it would change Finnish cross-country skiing for the better. Have you seen any positive effects from your victory?
MH: I really have. I noticed that some people have changed their attitude and some things related to our sport got better. I’m really happy about that.

How has your training year been so far?
MH: I struggled a lot at the beginning of the off-season but now I have the feeling again which you have to have in training and my preparation is in full swing.

Where have you trained so far?
MH: I have been training mostly in Jyväskylä. Our first joint training camp of the year took place in Sognefjellet and the second one was in Vuokatti.

Have you changed your summer training?
MH: This year, I have had some more hard training workouts than I had this time last season. It didn’t show yet at the Aateli Race where I finished 9th. The running part was OK, but at this point it’s important to focus on aerobic workouts and other basic things. Toni Roponen is still my coach and he takes care of my training program. I’m taking things step by step.

What are your training plans for the rest of the summer?
MH: I’m going to carry out my own a training camp in Ramsau in July.

How did you celebrate midsummer?
MH: I did not take part in any big parties. Midsummer celebrations were calm for me.

Besides training you also study. How is it going?
MH: I make progress step by step. Cross-country skiing is my priority. Last year I didn’t take any courses, but I haven’t yet decided if I would do more studying this year.