Niki Prevc: "I've never missed a game, but now I'm looking forward to it"

Niki Prevec, one of the top ski jumpers in recent years, is counting down the days until her return to competition. She will compete at the continental cup in Stams, Austria, ten days from now. According to her, the summer break was beneficial, but she is now eagerly awaiting the chance to test her form against international competitors. Although she has had a successful season, including winning the big crystal globe for the third consecutive year and setting a new world record, she believes there is still room for improvement. The identity of her new sponsor remains a mystery, though she hints that it could be revealed soon. Ski jumpers and skiers have been preparing for the upcoming, Olympic-style season for months. Some have already tested their readiness at competitions, while others have chosen different strategies. Among them is Prevec, who says she made the most of the summer, now looking forward to her first competitive tests at the ski jumps. “Summer was relaxed for me, I had enough time to rest. I went hiking, didn’t go to the sea yet, which will come when needed. I also had some school obligations. I’m waiting for the results of one exam, hoping it goes well, and the rest I’ve managed,” she told the media during a gathering, explaining how her schedule was filled with ski-related activities. The summer was suitable for her, and now she can't wait for the first tests in Austria. “In truth, it was good to take some competitive break. Summer wasn’t missing me, now I can hardly wait for the first races. With the team, we decided on Stams. I’m not alone, the competition won’t be less intense,” Prevec said before the start of the competitive season in Austria. Meanwhile, other athletes trained in northern neighboring countries, specifically in areas where they expect their first full winter tour of four ski hills, Innsbruck and Bischofshofen. “The ski hills are quite different, but it’s a great setup, which I enjoy. My training there was satisfactory, although I could have done more, but my jumps were still good.” She hasn’t changed much, but she might improve slightly. “As I said, I took some extra time to test the equipment this summer. Now I slowly build my form. I haven’t changed much, just tried different boots, but there aren’t big differences in the gear,” she added. Despite her excellent results, she believes she can still progress. Although she has dominated the World Cup for three consecutive years, including setting a new world record at the end of the World Cup in Planica, she believes there is still potential for improvement: “There was still a lot left to improve last season.” A wooden statue was placed at the base of the Letalnice Bratov Gorišek airport in honor of her world record. Last year, Domen Prevec set an absolute world record of 254.5 meters. “It's nice, fine, maybe a bit unnecessary, since my world record isn't an unbreakable achievement like Domno’s. It's still nice, even for others to come to Planica,” she said about the new wooden trophy. “I'm very close to signing, but I don’t expect to say anything sooner.”