Julia Kykkänen (15) from Lahti is the only Finish competitor on the Ladies Continental Cup. Ladies-Skijumping.com editor Stefan Diaz had the opportunity to have a chat with the aspiring athlete. Read here, what we were talking about.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: The last ski jumping season was your second in the Continental Cup. You took the 41st Rank in the overall standings and made a 22nd place at the JWC and a 26th at the World Championships. Are you satisfied with the season?
Julia Kykkänen: Well… yes.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: You had actually a memorable start that winter. In your first competition’s training in Schonach, you performed a spectacular fall… what exactly happened??
Julia Kykkänen: I don’t know exactly but maybe I made a little mistake.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: OK. That happens.
Julia Kykkänen: Sometimes.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: At the first World Championships in ladies ski jumping you were the only finish competitor. Can you describe, how it was like to start there?
Julia Kykkänen: It was nice, funny and little bit exciting.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: What was more fun? Starting in Liberec or taking the Japan trip?
Julia Kykkänen: Maybe in Japan.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: I think many people in Japan will be proud to read that
Julia Kykkänen: I think that same.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: Next topic. Besides ski jumping you also play football and of course you have to go to school. Is it easy for you to handle both – school and training?
Julia Kykkänen: Well..almost yes… but I have to do much more work than they do in school.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: When you miss some days at school because there are competitions or so… do you get support by the teachers?
Julia Kykkänen: Well, when I’m in school then I get, but when we are somewhere on a trip then I have to do everything myself.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: You are right now the only athlete in the finish team. Do you think that you would do better, if the team was larger or does this not make a difference, as skijumping is an individual sport anyway?
Julia Kykkänen: I have good training friends in Lahti like my brothers, Veli-Matti, Harri Olli… But it would be nice if I had some Finnish girl whit me on the trip.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: OK. So just 3 more questions…
Julia Kykkänen: Yes, sure.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: Do you have any archetype or idol in skijumping?
Julia Kykkänen: Harri Olli.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: whats your favourite jumping hill?
Julia Kykkänen: Lahti K 90.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: That’s a nice one… So last question: What is your goal for the upcoming season? A medal at the Junior-World Championships maybe?
Julia Kykkänen: Jumping good every competition and better than in the last season.
Ladies-Skijumping.com: thank you very much for the interview. Kiitos!
Julia Kykkänen: No problem! Ole hyvä, you’re welcome.