Miha Hrobat: When they looked at my skis, they held their heads together and wondered how I was still alive

Miha Hrobat, a 31-year-old Slovenian ski racer from Kranj, has spoken publicly about his recent struggles and future ambitions following a challenging season that left him unfulfilled at the Olympics. Despite facing criticism over the condition of his skis, Hrobat expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back and compete at the highest level. His comments come ahead of the World Championships in Crans-Montana, which he sees as a crucial opportunity to address past shortcomings. The 2023–24 season was marked by technical issues with Hrobat’s equipment, particularly after a new technician joined his team. The problems began during the previous winter, when a temporary replacement for his usual technician led to unexpected complications. These included improper cutting angles on the edges of his skis and failure to remove aluminum residue along the edges, details that raised questions among officials and competitors alike. Hrobat acknowledged these setbacks but emphasized that they were not indicative of a broader trend in his performance. In an interview, Hrobat addressed concerns about his motivation and readiness for competition. He denied any lack of drive, stating that last year's difficult season had actually increased his determination. “I’m more motivated than ever,” he said. “After all the problems I faced early on and rebuilding myself, I'm really looking forward to working on the snow for what we've been aiming for all summer.” The change in technicians has been a focal point for Hrobat. Last season saw a brief collaboration with Boštjan Delalut, who stepped in temporarily due to injuries affecting other athletes. While this partnership proved successful, Hrobat confirmed that the team had since sought a long-term solution. Žiga Rosina, a technician from Sweden, has taken over and Hrobat expressed optimism about their new working relationship. Looking ahead, Hrobat is focused on the upcoming World Championships in Switzerland, a country known for its dominance in speed disciplines. He admitted the challenge would be formidable but insisted that the key to success lies within himself. “I don’t focus on the Swiss,” he said. “I know I can beat them if I perform at my best. I’ve already beaten some of them, just not all at once.” Despite acknowledging the Swiss advantage in resources and training facilities, Hrobat did not believe there was widespread cheating in the sport. “There’s less doping than people talk about in ski jumping,” he noted. “Switzerland definitely has better financial backing and more people behind developing things. They make their own waxes for skis, but I believe they follow the rules. It’s not about fluoro. They can afford to adjust their training schedules more freely. We can't always fly to races in helicopters like they do. There must be differences somewhere.” Hrobat’s recent results have given him renewed self-belief. After a tough season filled with doubts, two strong performances at the end helped restore his confidence. Now, he aims to climb back to the top of the rankings, confident that with the right preparation, he can achieve his goals. As the World Championships approach, Hrobat remains focused on his own progress rather than external comparisons. He believes that consistency and high-level performance will be the keys to success against the world’s best. With a new technician and a fresh mindset, he is ready to face the challenges ahead.