An exotic skier says: “I’m just tired of it”

Núria Pau was three years old when she first got on skis. That's nothing unusual in itself, but in the case of the now 28-year-old, it is: She comes from Spain, a country that is not necessarily known as a skiing nation. However, Pau grew up in Ribes de Freser, a community in the Spanish Pyrenees, and got his first taste of snow early on in the nearby Vall de Nuria ski resort. After that, it quickly became clear to her: “I want to start a career as a skier.”

Pau also made it relatively far. The giant slalom specialist competed in 14 World Cup races, 88 European Cup competitions, took part in two World Championships and was able to get a taste of the Olympic air in Beijing in February of this year. But now the multiple Spanish giant slalom and slalom champion is ending her career. Lack of support from the association The reason for this is the difficult circumstances under which Pau had to work. “I don’t think I always got the support I deserved,” says the exotic skier in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Sports world – and thus also sends some sharp arrows in the direction of the association. “We always had to hope that another team would give us videos or information about the route.” Nuria Pau As Pau explains, she had to knock on the doors of potential sponsors before every winter so that she could raise enough money for the winter. She had to plan her season herself and also take care of finding a coach. “And before the races we always had to hope that some other team would provide us with videos or information of the route so that we could at least prepare a little,” said Pau. Future as a trainer For a long time, none of this bothered her, but now the point has come where it can't go any further. “I'm just tired of always having to ask for help,” says Pau, who has enjoyed her career despite all the difficulties and adversity. “Skiing is my life. And it will always remain that way.” This explains her future plans, because the Spaniard wants to work as a trainer.

“I want to pass on all my knowledge, experience and everything I have learned over the years to future generations. During my career, I sometimes had the feeling that not much could be passed on to me and that's a shame," says Pau, who has set herself a big goal: "I want to contribute my part to the future of Spanish skiing."

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An exotic skier says: “I’m just tired of it”

The Ski World Cup is full of exotic athletes who often don't have it easy. One of them has now ended her career – at the tender age of 28.

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