Kristel Viigipuu interview

Today we have a birthday interview again. We travel back to one of the most lovely nation... you know right, it's Estonia. We have interview with Kristel Vigipuu.

BFH: First, we all would like to wish HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you and say thank you to accept our request, you have made us happy! How are you now, how goes your preparation?

Kristel: Thank you very much for the birthday wishes!!
I am doing fine and so far my preparation has gone fine also. Right now we are having a camp in Anterselva, Italy. It’s our first camp abroad, so it’s really good and refreshing to do trainings here.

BFH: You had took part some races during your preparation. Are you statisfied with your performances or you felt some more effort in yourself?

Kristel: Yes i took part of Biathlon cross European Championships in Haanja, Estonia. I’m not really satisfied with my performance because my shooting was bad- i shot many penalties in standing. But it’s summertime and these were my first competitions so i don’t worry about it.

BFH: You already have experiences from Olympic Games. You were one of the Estonian biathletes in Vancouver in 2010. How did you feel yourself there? You were only 19 years old.

Kristel: I felt good to be on the Olympic Games! It’s been one of my dreams to reach there and for me it happened when i was 19. I think because of that i didn’t have much pressure on me, everyone told me to do my own competitions and enjoy it.

BFH: What do you think, could your olympic memories help you on the hard way to Sochi? I think your participation in the next Winter Olympic Games is your absolutely main goal to your next season. How do you see your chances?

Kristel: Yes think my Olympic memories are helping me, i know what the Games are like and that i would really-really like to compete there again.
Chances...Our nation can send 4 women to the Olympics and 5 athletes are fighting for the tickets, So i think it’s not impossible.

BFH: You didn't start in any competition in Sochi last winter, and lot of athletes said it's one of the hardest place in the world. What do you think is it right, or fortunately you like this type of tracks?

Kristel: I didn’t take part of any World Cup competitions in Sochi because i wasn’t there. But I watched the races from TV and heard many athletes opinion that Sochi tracks are crazy hard, some of them even told that they’re not sure they’d like to go to the Olympics anymore. So i don’t know yet if i like those tracks, I have to see them with my own eyes and ski there before i can answer this question.

BFH: Unfortunately in the last season you couldn't earn any World Cup points, but it could be change in the next winter. What'll be your main goal in the next World Cup season by the Olympic participation?

Kristel: My last season was bad, i did only few normal competitions. So i haven’t put any main goals yet, but sure i want to have much better season and earn World Cup points again!

BFH: Are you planning to start in any competition before winter?

Kristel: Yes i am, We have Estonian Championships in September on rollerskis and first snowcamp comps in Finland. Both of these are control competitions who’s going to the first World Cups.

BFH: Now, please tell to us something about the beginnings. When did you start biathlon and why?

Kristel: I started with biathlon ten years ago when i was 13 years old. My brother started with biathlon first and then i thought i’d like to try also, so one day i went with him to our Ski Club. People were nice and friendly, Coach was kind and i liked the atmosphere, these were the first reasons why i started to do biathlon. But when i learned to ski and got to shoot with rifle first time- i had new reasons...i just started to love this sport!!

BFH: How do you motivate yourself during races and trainings day by day? What is your biggest dream in your career?

Kristel: I do what i love to do and that’s what motivates me. I don’t talk about my dreams out loud but i would really like to do and achieve something big!

BFH: Biathletes are very busy, they haven't got so much free times, but if you have some... what do you usually like to do?

Kristel: If i have free time i try to get together with my friends- catch up with them, have a car trip in Estonia and do something fun together.

BFH: I think Biathlon Fans Hungary is one of your team's biggest supporter. Have you got some special message to us and to the other Hungarian fans?

Kristel: I’m really happy that we have fans in Hungary and that you find time to make these interviews. So keep on doing it, enjoy life and be happy!!

Thank you the interview, we wish you the best! 

Rosanna Crawford birtday interview

We continue our special birthday interviews: the next stop is Canada and Rosanna Crawford.

BFH: Rosanna, first we would like to wish a very happy birthday to you from Hungary!!! I think you can be satisfied, because you had a great season, fantastic results mainly from December! How would you summarize your season?

Rosanna: Last year was my best season on the World Cup ever. It started off really well in December. After coming home for Christmas I had a bit of bursitis in my shoulder which made me take some time off. By the end of World Champs I feel I was almost back at the same ski speed at December but unfortunately right after WCHs I got sick for 9 days and had a really hard time coming back for the last World Cups.

BFH: According to the last year results (you were the best Canadian in the overall WC ranking) we can say you are the leader of the team together with Zina. What are the goals for the next season and for Sochi – for you and for the team?

Rosanna: As a team we are growing and one of our main goals is to achieve a top 8 in relays. I believe with some better shooting our team is capable of it.
My personal goal is to have a more consistent season. Being in the top 30 all year and of course being at my very best in February 2014!

BFH: What is your training plan for the summer? Where are you and what are you doing now?

Rosanna: For the summer we will spend most of it training in the Rocky Mountains in Canmore. We have a great roller ski loop and range here and there are a lot of strong athletes who train out of Canmore. We will do some training camps in the States, as well as some workouts with the Canadian cross country team.

BFH: We talked with Scott Gow about the popularity of biathlon in Canada – do you think a medal from Sochi would be enough to raise the interest of the Caandian people significantly?

Rosanna: In 1992 and 1994 when Myriam Bedard won her gold and bronze medals, that got Biathlon known in Canada. I believe that a medal could for raise some more interest in Biathlon in Canada, but we also need to get it being shown on TV here in non Olympics years. It is such an exciting sport to watch and I really think that if Canadians were exposed to the sport that it would gain popularity in Canada. I mean we are supposed to be a winter nation and not just hockey!

BFH: We, the Hungarian fans are great supporters of the Canadian team – and we have a French friend, David, who is maybe even a bigger Rosanna fan.

(He got your bib after the individual.) Do you have good memories from us or have some special message to our group or to David?

Rosanna: Thank you for your interest in me and I will try to do you proud next winter!

Thank you for your answers and we wish you good work for the summer trainings!

Grete Gaim birthday interview

Less than 10 days ago we had an interview with a Junior World Champion biathlete in her 20th birthday. And for us nothing is impossible: we do the same again!!! We have a talk now with Grete Gaim – another Estonian rising star.

BFH: Grete, first we would like to wish a very happy birthday to you in the name of the Hungarian Biathlon Fans!!! You became Junior WCH in Kontiolahti in 2012 – in pursuit, from the 10th position. What are your memories from that race?

Grete: Thank you very much! I have the best memories of this day, it has been the best day in my life so far! I remember I was so surprised during the race , but I knew I have to shoot well to win some kind of medal and I scared I lost my position to Canadian girl on my last lap, but I believed myself and I did it what I had to do, so I remember my tears of happiness, because I was certainly the happiest girl in the whole world!

BFH: What are your feelings about this winter? Are you satisfied with your season altogether?

Grete: The feelings from this season isn’t that good, but I learn so much from last season so I hope I can be much better in next season. I’m not that satisfied, but I had some step further and some beautiful races as well.

BFH: What is the main goal for the next season? You were only 15 seconds from your first WC point in the Oberhof sprint (46th place)… Maybe your first top 40 position? And maybe in Sochi?:)

Grete: My main goal is of course Junior Champs in USA and of course to qualified to the Olympic Games in Sochi. Yes of course I want to get my first points, but I don’t think about that so much. I want to do great races then comes the results as well.

BFH: You have a very young and talented women team in Estonia. Do you think is it possible one day to be on the podium in a relay competition?

Grete: Of course I have to say certainly! Because if we don’t believe in ourselves it doesn’t happen!

BFH: What are you doing at the moment? I guess you have started the preparation...

Grete: I already have started with my new season , but first easy trainings.. and I’m trying to finish my school.

BFH: Do you have some special message to the Hungarian fans?

Grete: Don’t lose your believeing in your athletes and support them every different way! And of course enjoy everything what biathlon gives you, it’s worth it!

BFH: Thank you for your answers and we wish you good work for the summer trainings!

Grete: Thank you very much and have a nice summer all of you!

Synnøve Solemdal interjú (magyar fordítás)

Mai napra is van egy nagy meglepetésünk, interjú egy ígéretes tehetséggel, aki az egyik legnagyobb biatlon nemzet tagja. Mindig kedves és mindig mosolyog, világkupa futam győztes, világbajnok, Nove Mesto-ban lett nagy kedvencünk és nagyon különleges helyet foglal el a szívünkben. Igen, ő Synnoeve Solemdal Norvégiából, aki ma ünnepli születésnapját.

BFH: Kedves Synnoeve, először is boldog születésnapot. Azt hiszem egy nagyon sikeres évadot zártál a világ kupában. Hochfilzenben megnyerted az első aranyérmedet üldözésesben, négyszer váltóban és ebben két aranyat is szereztél a világbajnokságon. Hogy látod az elmúlt szezont? Ez volt a legjobb szezonod?

Synnoeve: Köszönöm. Az elmúlt szezon volt talán a legjobb szezonom eddig. Nagyon elégedett voltam a jó futamokkal, de én úgy gondolom a következő szezonom jobb lehet.

BFH: Ez volt az első szezon, amikor különböző versenyszámokban nyertél. Van aranyérmed egyéni és csapat versenyben is. Melyik győzelem fontosabb neked?

Synnoeve: A Nove Mesto-i női váltó aranyérme a legfontosabb nekem. Annyi időt töltöttem a többi lánnyal ebben az évben, hogy ők lettek a második családom. Amikor Tora áthaladt a célvonalon, olyan boldog voltam, hogy majdnem sírni kezdtem.

BFH: A 2010-es Európa bajnokságon is nyertél üldözésesben. Ez a kedvenc versenyszámod?

Synnoeve: Haha.. Igen, nagyon szeretem az üldözésest.

BFH: Balszerencsére nem tudtad teljesen befejezni a szezont, egészségügyi gondok miatt, nem tudtál indulni Oroszországban, de jövőre Szocsiban rendezik a téli olimpiát. Nem lesz előnyöd a pálya ismeretéből. Mit gondolsz erről? Ez hátrány vagy előny neked?

Synnoeve: Terveztem, hogy megyek Szocsiba, de most „tiszta” fejjel próbálom meg helyette. Úgy gondolom, ha a nyári felkészülésem jó, akkor fel leszek készülve, hogy jó futamokat menjek bárhol.

BFH: Mi a célod a következő szezonban? Azt hiszem egy aranyérem Szocsiból természetesen…

Synnoeve: Szeretnék egy aranyat Szocsiból, de ez egy nagyon nehéz feladat. Jobb és jobb akarok lenni minden szezonban, ha ezt meg tudom csinálni, elégedett leszek.

BFH: Jobb és jobb vagy évről évre. Mit gondolsz, fel fogsz nőni Torához, vagy le is hagyod?

Synnoeve: Remélem, eddig nagyon szerencsés voltam

BFH: Az edzések elkezdődtek, elkezdődött a felkészülés a következő szezonra, de előtte volt egy kis szabadidőd. Hogy töltötted a szabadidődet? A hobbijaiddal foglalkoztál? Mik azok?

Synnoeve: Szeretek találkozni a családommal és a barátaimmal otthon. A szezon alatt nincs esélyem találkozni velük. Megpróbálok találkozni velük olyan gyakran amennyire lehet a szabadság alatt.

BFH: Előfordul hogy csak úgy ki mész egyet sífutni, a magad kedvére, amikor szikrázik a hó a napsütésben? Vagy épp elég a kötelező edzésprogram?

Synnøve: A versenyszezonban sosem csinálok ilyesmit, de amit vége a versenyeknek imádok kijárni sífutni a hegyek közé!

BFH: A mindennapos kemény edzéseket győződ-e motivációval? Azt hiszem segít, hogy a sífutás magában is elég szórakoztató, nem így van?

Synnøve: Nagyon szeretek edzeni! A biatlonban az a legjobb, hogy sok féle dolgot tudunk csinálni. A nyár során a tréningeken, futunk, bringázunk, sírollerezünk és erősítünk. Télen síelünk klasszikus, és korcsolyázó stílusban is. És természetesen mindig

lövünk! Szóval sosem válik monotonná az edzés!

BFH: Szereted az alpesi sízést is? Szoktad is csinálni?

Synnøve: Igen! Szeretem az alpesi műfajt is, de nem vagyok nagy vagány, amikor igazán meredek a lejtő. Gyakorlom és próbálok egyre inkább bevállalós lenni, így biatlonban is javulok, hisz lejtő ott is van.

BFH: Végezetül szeretnénk megköszönni, amiket kaptunk tőled Nove Mesto-ban, a dedikált rajtszámot, a közös fotót, és a sok mosolyt! Milyen emlékeid vannak a magyar szurkolókról? Volt valami emlékezetes?

Synnøve: Sok jó emlékem van a magyar szurkolótáborról! Emlékszem mindig mosolyogtak felém, és bíztattak, akár hányszor elsíeltem előttük. Nagyon jó érzés volt, és sokat jelentett nekem!

Köszönjük a beszélgetést, és a lehető legjobbakat kívánjuk a következő szezonra!

Synnøve Solemdal birthday interview

Today we have a big surprise again, we have an interview with one of the most promising talent who lives in a country which is one of the biggest nation in biathlon. She is always kind and always smiling, she is a World Cup race winner, she is a World Champion, she became our big favourite in Nove Mesto, she has a special part in our heart... Yes, she is Synnøve Solemdal from Norway, who celebrate her birthday today!

BFH: Dear Synnøve, first Happy Birthday to you! I think you completed a very successful season in the World Cup. In Hochfilzen you won your first gold medal in the pursuit, and you won 4 times with the relay, from this you collected 2 gold in the World Championships. How did you see your last season? Was it your best season?

Synnøve: Thanks!:) Last season was probably my best season until now. I was very satisfied with the good races, but I always see things I can do better in the next season.

BFH: It was the first season when you win in different competitions. You have gold from an individual and from a team competition too. Which victory is more important for you?

Synnøve: The gold medal in the women's relay in Nove Mesto was the most important victory for me. I spend a lot of time with the other girls during the year and they are kind of my second family. When Tora passed the finish line I where so happy I almost started to cry. 
BFH: In the European Championships in 2010 you won the pursuit too. It is your favourite competiton?

Synnøve: Haha.. Yes I like pursuit very much!! 

BFH: Unfortunatly you couldn't complete your season, because you had health problems, and you couldn't start in Russia, but in the next season the Winter Olympic Games will be in Sochi. You couldn't gain any experience from the new track. What do you think? It could be a handicap for you or not?

Synnøve: My plan was to go to Sochi, but now I will try to have an open mind instead. I think if my summertraining is good I will be prepared to go good races anywhere. 

BFH: What's your goal in the next season? I think a gold medal from Sochi of course... 

Synnøve: I would like a gold medal for sure, but its really hard competition. I want to be better and better every season, if i can do that Im satisfied.  

BFH: You became better and better year by year. What do you think, could you grow up to Tora in a few years or beat she? 

Synnove: I hope so, until now I have been very lucky 

BFH: Now the training starts, you started to prepare yourself to the next season, but before it you have some free time. How did you spend it? Could you live for your hobbies? What are they?

Synnøve: I like to meet family and friends from home. During the season I don't have the chance to meet them. So I try to meet them as often as I can during the holidays. 

BFH: How often do you go for cross-country skiing just for your own pleasure, when the sun is sparkling on the snow, or the regular training program is enough for you?

Synnøve: I don't go any cross-country skiing during the season. But after the season I like to go skiing in the mountains. 

BFH: Do you have motivation for the everyday hard training? I think skiing is a great pleasure itself, isn’t it?

Synnøve: I love to train! What I love about biathlon is that we can do so many different things. During the summer we train running, bicycling, roller skiers and strength and during the winter we train both classic and skate and of course we also have shooting. So there is really no time to get bored!

  

BFH: Do you like alpine skiing? Do you do it anyway?

Synnøve: Yes i like alpine skiing, but Im not so tough when its really steep. I try to get tougher so I also can get better in the downhills in biathlon. 

BFH: Finally, thank you for all what we became from you in Nove Mesto, the bib, the photo with you, and a lots of smiles. What memories do you have from the Hungarian fans? What were the most important moments for you?

Synnøve: I have many good memories from the Hungarian fans. I remember they where smiling and cheering every time I passed them in the track. I think it was very nice of them and it meant a lot to me! 

Thank you for your answer, we wish you the best to the next season! 

Hilde Fenne birthday interview

Today is the 12th of May: we have a very special birthday surprise from Norway to our followers: we managed to contact one of the most talented youngsters of the world, who became world champion among the juniors and the adults as well before the age of 20! Yes, truly incredible, but Hilde Fenne answers exclusively to Biathlon Fans Hungary on her birthday!!!

Hilde, first we would like to wish you a very happy 20th birthday in the name of our members and our followers! You are still very very young, but already a world champion – can you believe it?!

Thank you! No, I can't really believe it. What happened this season was not exactly what I expected before the season started. I was just hoping that I could get some starts in the world cup and get some experience there. When I got the message that I was going to start in the World Championship in Nove Mesto I got really excited and very nervous! But the experience was just incredible, all the people cheering in the tracks and on the stadium. It was amazing. And the gold medal on the relay with my team is the biggest thing that I have experienced my whole life, it was CRAZY!!

How would you summarize your first season in the adult World Cup? I am sure you are satisfied with your relay performance, how about the individual races?

My season has been very different from other years as a biathlete, very exciting and fun. And to compete with the best biathletes in the world and see how I am doing and how much better I have to become to be the best, I learn a lot from that. I am satisfied with my season, I haven't had the best results, but I am still young and have a lot of years to take the step to the top.

Your best individual result is from Sochi (25th place) - and I think the most important for you in the next season is to be successful in the Olympic Games. How do you see your chances? There are a lot of talented biathlete in the team Norway who wants to qualify…

First I have to qualify, as you say it is very many Norwegian biathletes how wants to go there so I really have to work to come there. I am hoping to take a step futher and do it better then this season. So I hope that my chances will be a little bit better and that I would be a little bit closer to the best biathletes.

We know that the preparation for the next season has already started… Where are you and what are you doing at the moment?

Yes, that is true. Now I am at home, I just came home from a training camp with the Norwegian team. We have been on Mallorca in Spain and trained, it was a really nice start on the season.

I tell you a little secret: you are the favourite biathlete one of our members, Silvester, and he gave an interview live during the World Championship to the TV Norway as the best „Hungarian Fenne fan”.

  The reporter was really surprised.  Would you be so kind to send him (and to all the Hungarian fans) a special message?

Haha, that is funny  Hello Hungarian biathlete fans! I hope you enjoyed my interview and that you continue watch biathlon. And I hope that I see you in the tracks the next season! And Silvester: I think you are my first big fan  

Thank you for your answers and we wish you good preparation for the Olympic season and see you in Hochfilzen, we will be there!!!