Jure Košir: Slovenian skiing needs big changes
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He made his breakthrough in the 1993-94 season when he became the first representative of Slovenia
to win an event on the World Cup circuit. Košir "exploded" at the Lillehammer Olympics and moved from eighth after the first run to claim a bronze medal in the slalom. His efforts earned him the title of Slovenian Sportsman of the Year for 1994. Košir retired in 2006 and started his new career as an entrepreneur.
Q We can't start without mentioning Tina Maze, this season she is again in excellent form in all disciplines. How does she manage this? Do you think that she can take the overall win this season?
A She still keeps surprising. It is amazing how strong and prepared she is again. It is difficult to find the motivation for such a long and hard training period after such great success. If she stays healthy she is a top contender for the overall title.
Q Why don't we somehow transfer the knowledge of Team aMaze to others. Is it even possible in the current organisational structure of the Ski Federation?
A Tina Maze is, for sure, an outstanding talent but she and her team have proven that they have found a way for her to progress. As a member of the National Ski Team she was lost in stagnation. This proves that precise analysis of the system used in the national team system is needed. Many talented Slovenian skiers couldn't develop in the junior ranks.
Tina Maze is, for sure, an outstanding talent but she and her team have proven that they have found a way for her to progress. As a member of the National Ski Team she was lost in stagnation.
Q We see that, apart from Tina Maze, our alpine men's and women's teams are more or less lost in maze of below average performances. What is the main reason for this, a lack of funds in the Ski Federation, organisational issues, leadership incompetence, technique, the training system.....?
A All of these issues are affecting the results. Slovenian alpine skiing was well-known for its expertise, professionalism and innovation for many years. I think we lost this over the last 10 -15 years. Many Slovenian coaches and experts left Slovenia and are working for other teams. We lost a system, a clear development plan for athletes. How to bring them from child skiers to top athletes in the World Cup, there needs to be a clear path, defined development. Ski clubs, the Ski Federation, the Faculty of Sport, ZUTS all need to be on the same page. Special attention must also be paid to proper/modern education of the coaches. Setting up a system that is known to everyone involved and everyone follows it.
Q Is the standard of Slovenia's trainers and experts comparable with others at the moment? Are they following the trends, equipment and development quickly enough? Is there any strategy on skiing training inside the national system of the Ski Federation?
A I think we are slowly moving behind at all levels. The Slovenian National team cannot be compared to top teams ( Austrians, Swiss, US, ... ). They have the possibility to train on the best courses all year round. They allocate funds for equipment testing, new methods of training, etc. Slovenian skiers are now in the position where they have trouble getting good equipment from suppliers. They have to financially participate in most of the training camps. It doesn't put them in a good position, but a lot can be done and achieved with scarce resources - with harder work, more dedication, enthusiasm and lots of ingenuity.
Q How good is the system of junior training? In the past our young, junior skiers were quite successful but they disappeared after joining the World Cup. What is the reason for that?
A There should be a system established that would enable a larger number of children to enter skiing. It should be more available and only through large groups can we find pure talent. The acute problem is that the total number of kids starting alpine skiing programs has decreased a lot. Ski clubs are facing huge problems financing and supporting the youngsters and so it pretty much comes down to the parents. Having a child who is training in alpine skiing represents a significant cost which not many Slovenian families can afford.
Q You personally had experience with the change in skiing technique, you had some problems switching from classic to carving. Why was that?
A Yes. I was part of the 'big change' from classic technique to carving. It wasn't easy but I am happy I didn't give up on totally changing my technique and style of skiing. It was hard work, lots of repetitions but it paid off. I was still able to finish in the top three in the World Cup with 'short' carving skis. I think that the carving 'revolution' was great for alpine skiing. New types of skis help skiers of different skills to ski more smoothly and make more precise turns.
Q Why do you think that we are more successful in Nordic skiing and ski jumping? It seems that there is new talent one after another and that the spirit in the whole team is excellent, friendly and
positive.
A It's all due to a well-established system. There is a well organised training centre in Kranj with modern facilities, Planica is developing also. Young jumpers do not need to travel so much, costs are much lower. There is also good cooperation with schools and clubs. Consequently they have a very strong World Cup team and have consistently good results.
Q You had some experience working inside the bureaucracy of the Ski Federation. Do you think that the current system can be improved or do we simply need a completely new system and organisational structure at all levels?
I must say that I was quite frustrated when I was President of Alpine Board. I had good intentions to change things and to involve the best expertise and individuals to help Slovenian alpine skiing get back on track. But we faced big obstacles. There are too many different interests, ski clubs don't cooperate with each other, too many conflicts...
A Yes, I think so. I must say that I was quite frustrated when I was President of Alpine Board. I had good intentions to change things and to involve the best expertise and individuals to help Slovenian alpine skiing get back on track. But we faced big obstacles. There are too many different interests, ski clubs don't cooperate with each other, too many conflicts... The decision-making system didn't allow me to drastically change this. I had to resign because I didn't see any effect from my side. I hope everybody involved in alpine skiing at the organisational level realises that big changes are needed. I am prepared and would like to help when the moment is right.