Dawid Kubacki talks about his plans for the Summer Grand Prix final. But winter season is already in his mind as well and the Pole wants to attack at the Four Hills.

Four Hills Tournament: Dawid, what do like more? Snow or grass?

 

(laughs) That’s a hard question. Both are very interesting but previously, I have only competed in winter sports. But now we have started to compete on grass as well, and this really helps in making sure we’re in good shape. It’s a good idea to compete with others during the summer. Nevertheless, I prefer the winter season because it’s much more natural for this sport. In addition a lot of people prefer to watch winter ski jumping because it encompasses traditions that are great to see. That’s why I prefer winter.

 

During the first three Grand Prix everybody though that you were jumping in a league of your own. How did you accomplish that, and how do you feel?

 

Without sounding arrogant, it’s not a big deal for me! Since the first training session I have known that my jumps are on a good level. I still see some mistakes and some things that I have to improve on. It wasn’t certain that I would be among the top jumpers of the summer season. I expected maybe being in the top ten because I knew that my jumps were good. After the first competition I was surprised. I was in 6^th place after the first jump but I was able to achieve the win at the end.  I was very happy that the two competitions in Hinterzarten and Couchevel showed that my performances were enough to win in the summer. But I fully know that I need to work hard to increase this level.

 

Only your teammate Maciej Kot was able to compete. What is the secret of the dominance of the Polish team?

 

There is no real secret. Anybody knows that in any sport working hard is the only thing that makes you one of the best. And that’s what we’re doing. We’re just working really hard and we’re focusing on our job. And it looks like we’ve done well.

 

In Tschaikowski Anze Lanisek took over the lead in the overall standings. What are your goals for the last two competitions in Hinzenbach and Klingenthal?

 

For me, the goals will be the same as at the beginning of the season. I will go there and give maximum effort, whilst showing what I’ve been practicing in training. Then we'll see how it ends. Of course it would be great to win the Summer Grand Prix. However, I’m fully aware that the upcoming winter season is very important as well. I’m just focusing on the hard work and on the competitions, of which I will give nothing less than 100 percent. But for me all the training sessions are more important than the Summer Grand Prix win.

 

But have your goals changed after the summer?

 

No, because every time I go to a competition my goal is to show everyone what I’ve learned in training, whilst giving 100 percent effort, and nothing less. That’s my aim every time. I don’t set goals according to rankings or which place gives me satisfaction after the competition. It can always happen that the conditions change and you finish towards the end of the table even if you performed to the best of your abilities. So, my goal is to do my job and whatever happens, I will give my all.

 

Now the winter is almost here and so the Four Hills Tournament comes closer. After your outstanding performances during the summer, do you think that you will be able to fight for the podiums this winter as well? Perhaps at the Four Hills?

 

Yes, of course. That’s the main reason why we’re working so hard. We always strive for the top places of the competition. I’m really confident that I’m able to achieve that this winter. But the basics remain the same - hard work. And that’s what I’m focused on. I believe if I train as hard as I can, the good results in the winter will follow. When I look at the last year’s competition, I became better and better. So, I just work to improve myself, and then let’s see what will happen at the Four Hills.

 

Why is the Four Hills Tournament so extraordinary?

 

It's a pretty old competition. It’s a competition, which is nice to watch as well. Lots of people come to the hills every year. There are always many spectators. But also the time when it takes place is an important aspect. It’s Christmas, it’s New Year and people have more time to watch. I believe that’s a big part of the success of the Four Hills Tournament. That there are a lot more spectators than elsewhere.

 

What hill do you like most?

 

That’s a hard question. I don’t really have a favourite. When I’m in good shape I can fight for the best results on every hill. It’s not like that the hill determinates how you jump on it. You are the master of your fate. If you perform well, you will be successful.

 

Is there a special experience in your mind? What was the most memorable moment for you at the Four Hills Tournament?

 

Kamil’s victory at the Four Hills Tournament was special. That was a historic moment. And it was also a very happy moment for me because my teammate achieved such a good result. I remember it being emotional too, as our team did so brilliantly.

 

Is this perhaps the secret we talked about before? The special team spirit of the Polish team everybody talks about?

 

It helps us a lot. We’re a good team and good friends. We compete against each other but also support each other. That really helps us in improving our ability.

 

After the the Four Hills there are two more major events this winter. The Olympic Games and the ski flying world championship in Oberstdorf. What are your priorities for the three events?

 

Every one of these events is very important. We often talk about that with our coaches. We have to prepare for the whole winter, the whole season, to compete as well as we can. Maybe the Olympic Games are a bit more special because it’s a very rare competition. But in principle, we prepare for every competition the same.

 

Does one think about the current political situation before travelling to South Korea?

 

Until now, I’ve never talked about that because it’s not my job to think about that. Of course, the situation isn’t clear. But as I said, I’m just focusing on my goals and preparing for the winter. Let’s see how it will be. I hope everything will be fine.

 

What is the most important thing for you during preparation? What do you want to do differently than the other athletes?

 

At the moment I wouldn’t change anything because it seems that we have a really solid and structured setup that is working. The results show that and we improve everyday. We’re doing a good job and I think we just should continue this work.

 

Thank your very much, Dawid.

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