Interview with Severin Freund

Ski Jumping World Cup 2014/15 winner and overall hill record holder at Kulm, Severin Freund, was at a Q & A press conference in Munich with the Organizing Committee for the FIS Ski Flying World Championships on the Kulm. The Kulm ski jump record holder and world cup dry run winner from the previous year talked about the fascination ski flying has and the enthusiasm of the spectators at Kulm.

What connects you with Kulm?

If you’ve jumped, especially a ski jump like the one on Kulm, 237.5 meters like my winning jump last year, then you always come back with special feelings.

What emotions of Kulm spark in you?

The spark I have as well as other competitors is adrenaline, thrill, happiness, superlative event, but also the special spectator experience. When there is a lot going on Kulm, then it means that there is really a lot going on. There are only a few places that can compete.

How was it for you to be the one who set the world record jump on Kulm?

Of course, awesome! I came from a phase in which it was not going my way. The weekend of Kulm came at the perfect moment. Ski flying is something you need to feel and not think too much about. I tried the first jump and it worked. However, the jumping record was of course incredible.

How are you preparing yourself for the World Cup on Kulm?

Preparing oneself for ski flying can only be done indirectly. Certainly, in the summer I tried the one or the other from what I think would be important for the World Cup. But, in the end it’s like all big events; the form has to be right otherwise nothing will work. It is cool that Willingen is the weekend right before the World Cup because the jump is very similar to the one on Kulm.