Alice Robinson in an interview: “I think it’s cool to be the exotic one”

You have already competed in several European Cup and World Cup races in South Tyrol. What connection do you have to the region? Alice Robinson: “I've done a few races here, that's true, but I've never been successful (laughs). But I also come to South Tyrol regularly to train. The landscape, the mountains, the climate, it's all wonderful. I really enjoy my time here.”

Your star took part in the 2019 Junior World Championships in Val di Fassa Giant slalom gold on. What memories do you have of it? “This moment is incredibly present in my thoughts; I still remember it often today. The whole day was special for me, after all it was the biggest triumph of my career to date and a real stepping stone.” “There are moments off the piste that aren’t quite so easy” In fact, your career has been steadily on the rise since then. Were there any setbacks during this time? “Of course there have been difficult moments. In terms of sport, the time immediately after my Sölden victory last year was not an easy one serious injury was discovered and I had to sit out completely for around six weeks. Getting back there quickly wasn't easy. There are also moments away from the piste that are not so easy. The distance from my homeland causes me problems from time to time.”

Alice Robinson is entering her second full World Cup season. © APA/afp / JAVIER SORIANO

You were born in Australia, but moved to New Zealand with your parents when you were a small child. How did you get into ski racing, especially since it is not considered a main sport in your home country? “I grew up in Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand, which can definitely be considered a winter sports resort by local standards. There was a small ski area just a ten minute drive from our house. My parents took me there regularly when I was a little child.”

So far, skiing fans have primarily associated New Zealand with the name Claudia Riegler. When she celebrated her last World Cup victory in 1997, they hadn't even been born yet. What role does it play in your career? “As a child, I looked up to her and admired her. She showed me that it is also possible as a New Zealander to compete with the best in the World Cup. Her career path and her successes have motivated me incredibly, and I will be forever grateful to her for that.” “I spend more than 100 hours a year on a plane” Have you ever added up how many hours you sit on a plane each year? After all, the Ski World Cup is held exclusively in the northern hemisphere, and most of the training takes place there. (laughs) No, I never counted up all the hours in the air; with all the traveling that would be quite difficult. But I can say with certainty that I spend more than a hundred hours a year on a plane.”

Do you feel like an exotic figure in the Ski World Cup? “Yes, absolutely! My fellow campaigners all come from Europe and a few from North America, but my homeland is on the other side of the globe. But I have to admit, somehow I think it's cool to take on this special role in the World Cup."

Alice Robinson (r.) with her big rival Mikaela Shiffrin (l.) © APA/afp / JOE KLAMAR

The World Cup opening will take place on October 17th in Sölden, where they celebrated their first World Cup victory last year. Is space your goal this time too? "Naturally. I may not be the top favorite to win, but I have to aim to be right at the front.”

Mikaela Shiffrin has always shown you respect in the past, but you could become her big long-term rival. Is that the demand you have for yourself? “It is presumptuous to put yourself on the same level as Mikaela. She is currently the best skier. As an athlete, I want to get the most out of it and strive for the highest possible. That’s why my goal is certainly to close the gap and duel with her for victories.”

Thank you for the interview.

Questions: Alexander Foppa

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Alice Robinson in an interview: “I think it’s cool to be the exotic one”

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