Rock'n'Roll in the World Cup: Is this super talent conquering the ski world?

The powerful voice of the stadium announcer has long since faded away, the music from the head-high speakers has stopped and the many fans are either on their way home or in the packed après-ski huts. But a ski ace just can't get enough. On Tuesday a week ago in St. Vigil - after this spectacular World Cup giant slalom on the Erta - you had the feeling that Zrinka Ljutic wanted to savor the moment as intensively and for as long as possible.

While all the other athletes had long since disappeared from the finish area, the young skier chatted with her family for ages after her strong seventh place, posed for selfies and made children's eyes light up with her autographs.

Zrinka Ljutic is one of the greatest talents in the World Cup. © AFP / VLADIMIR SIMICEK

Ljutic himself is only 20 years old and comes from the Croatian capital Zagreb, which is not necessarily known as a ski mecca - and yet “Zizi” is one of the greatest talents in the World Cup circus. The technical specialist has an incredibly fast swing, great power in her legs and an iron mentality. Ljutic has already been on the podium twice in the World Cup, most recently in the giant slalom in Jasna in mid-January, when she came second. Many experts attest to her having a great future. The new Janica Kostelic? In Croatia, people are really proud of the super talent, because quite a few people see Ljutic as the new Janica Kostelic, a four-time Olympic champion, five-time world champion and one of the most successful ski racers in history. “These comparisons are an honor for me,” says the talkative teenager in perfect English SportNews -Interview.

Ljutic often has reason to celebrate. © AFP / VLADIMIR SIMICEK

Does she also feel a certain pressure? “Maybe when I was a little younger. It was sometimes said in Croatia: Janica had already won victories at your age. But I have now realized: Janica is unique, there is no way to be like her. I have to be me,” says the 20-year-old.

The dad as coach In fact, there are several parallels between Zrinka Ljutic and the Kostelics (in addition to Janica, brother Ivica was also a big ski star). Until last season, first Janica and then Ivica worked as advisors to the mega-talent. “There is a plan to work together again in the future,” said Ljutic. Another connection can be found in the coaching team. The two Croatian top stars were coached by their legendary father Ante; at Ljutic it is dad Amir who looks after his daughter as a coach. “My dad is my coach on the slopes, he’s also my coach outside of it.” Zrinka Ljutic “He put me on skis when I was two years old and was my first and only trainer. We communicate well and go our own way,” says Ljutic, adding with a smile: “On the slopes, my dad is my coach, and off the slopes he is also my coach.” In general, the family is crazy about skiing. In addition to dad, Ljutic's mom, grandpa and Ljutic's friend were there at Kronplatz. Her three siblings would probably have been cheering in the stands if they hadn't been involved in ski races themselves.

Between windsurfing and guitar sessions When talking to the Croatian, it becomes clear that she has real fire in her. What she does away from the ski slopes was a question. “I do other sports there. I love windsurfing, snowboarding and judo. All of this helps me to get better at skiing.” And if she wants to relax? “Then I play the guitar, that’s relaxing for me – I need that to wind down.” It fits with her character when Ljutic reveals what style of music she prefers to play: “Rock’n’Roll, of course.”

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Rock'n'Roll in the World Cup: Is this super talent conquering the ski world?

The new generation is scratching its hooves in the Ski World Cup. A name to remember for the future is Zrinka Ljutic. She not only follows in the footsteps of the infamous Kostelic siblings, but is also a power woman off the piste.

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