Preparation of a ski champion
A couple of weeks ago I had a crêpe and a chat with world class coach, Jacques Choynowski, for an episode of my show Athlete Story. It was during the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang that we of course both followed in detail!
I have known Jacques for ten years now – and one year, I assisted him in working with the Polish Olympic Ski Team. Jacques Choynowski has been preparing quite a few of the legends of alpine skiing from his base in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
One of them was Swedish alpine ski queen and two-time Olympic Gold medalist, Pernilla Wiberg. An already confirmed champion in slalom skiing but with wrecked and worn out knees. He helped her come back to find new strengths in downhill and super G – and add 6 years and another Olympic medal to her career.
Lindsey Vonn – 81 world cup victories
Jacques’ philosophy and methodology also helped a certain young Lindsey Kildow – now Lindsey Vonn – launch one of the most spectacular world-dominating skiing careers, with so far 81 world cup victories!!
We talked about educating the human behind the champion, preparation of great champions, about working with stars like Pernilla Wiberg and Lindsey Vonn. And about crying in training to smile on the podium or the other way around.
But listen in and you will learn some of the principles of preparation of a ski champion and get some good stories. And you will receive some fatherly tough love as well!
