February 22, 2010 (Whistler, BC) – By winning his second Olympic gold medal in the Large Hill at Whistler Olympic Park 28-year-old Simon Ammann from Switzerland is without a doubt the most successful ski jumping Olympian ever. Repeating his performance from the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City put Ammann in the record books as the only jumper to win four individual Olympic gold medals. Is he the best ever? SkiTrax talked with Ammann about the past, present and future.
First, congratulations on breaking the record for most individual Olympic gold medals – you now have four
Simon Ammann: I must say that it’s absolutely fantastic to achieve this result. I did not believe in when I came to Vancouver, but it happened. After my first victory, I was too shy to say how awesome it was, but now that I can say it with more determination: it’s really, really awesome.
After winning two gold medals eight years ago at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games you were in limbo for five years. Then you had a powerful comeback winning World Cup titles and two more Olympic golds. What changed from 2002 to 2010?
SA: First I would like to say that it’s difficult to compare the two Olympics. In Salt Lake City, it was more a case of luck and happier circumstances. This time, everything was more planned. I would also say that other places haven’t been that powerful to me, but I always feel some kind of magic here in North America. Over the past eight years, there have been some changes in the regulations and equipment. But not all of these played in my favour.
Equipment a key word to introduce the next question. Tell us more about your new binding? How important was it for your victories?
SA: Let’s say that this binding is not really new, because we started testing it two years ago. These tests went on last summer, I liked the feeling with this binding and I thought that I should use it on a regular basis, starting with the competition in Klingenthal in Germany. Of course, the material you use is important to achieve good results. The binding has helped me on both the physical and mental aspects.
The Austrian team protested against using the binding creating quite a controversy between your Normal Hill and Large Hill victories.
SA: Honestly, I must say that I’m rather surprised that it has taken so long until a protest was made even unofficially. We’re competing in a very sensitive sport, so details are important for a win or a loss. However, I certainly don’t take the Austrian action personally. This is a part of the game.
Somebody compared you with another great Swiss athlete, tennis pro Roger Federer… any comments?
SA: This is a big honour for me. But Roger is like a long-seller, he has always had success. I’m more of a best-seller, a guy for very special moments. I guess that for our small country we can be happy to have some great sports personalities.
You wear quite interesting white sunglasses here in Vancouver….
SA: In Salt Lake City I had a silver coat. This year, my sponsor and I decided that I needed something fancy….
You turn 29 this June. Will you quit after the 2011 FIS Nordic Ski World Championships in Oslo, Norway or will you continue until Sotchi 2014?
SA: If I have I season like this the next winter, I’ll try to finish my career in Norway!
Thanks Simon and good luck with your next challenges!
SA: Thank you.