Q&A: 10 questions with Pirmin Werner

Another week, another Q&A and today we bring you 10 questions with the member of silver medal team at World Championships in Almaty and last year's aerials World Cup number three  - Pirmin Werner of Switzerland. Enjoy!

Q: Looking back at 2020/21 season, no doubt it was a very successful season for you. First World Cup victory, third place in the overall standing, and the silver medal in team event at the World Championships in Almaty. What does it all mean to you?

A: For sure it was my best season so far. I never expected to come back like this after my knee surgery in August 2020. It means so much to me! I’m having the best time of my life doing what I love so much.

Q: Let’s stay in Almaty for a second here. Your first World Cup victory came at the final event of the season where you led the 1-2 Swiss punch with Nicolas Gygax also taking his very first top-3. Can you tell us something more about that day and the feeling you had once it became clear you’re the winner of the day.

A: I never thought that I would make the super final. I was in 6th place and Maxim and Noe were still at the top waiting for their jumps. I almost went to my teammates to watch the super final afterwards. After both jumps, I knew that I was in the final and that it was the day I could win so I had to take my chance. I was still in 1st and Nicolas was at the top and I knew we could write history that day. After his jump, I was so happy for him. We made it. It was just an amazing feeling to end the season with a victory.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for you when competing during a worldwide pandemic and how do you deal with it?

A: We were so lucky that we could compete at every venue. We had a lot of Covid tests but with help of all the staff involved with our World Cup events it made us feel like everything was under control.

Q: Now looking ahead to the new season with the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing on the horizon, what are your goals for 2021/22?

A: I want to continue performing on the level I did last season and also showcase my best jumps that I learned this summer.

Q: The Swiss Aerials Team is just so much fun to watch. You spend a lot of time together training, traveling and competing. What is like to be part of such a successful team? Who pushes you the most and how?

A: Our team is fantastic and I couldn’t wish for another team. We’re like a huge family and we push our limits. Everyone pushes me in different way but in aerials it would for sure be Noe. We both want to beat each other in training and we push ourselves to the top.

Q: What is your favourite World Cup venue to compete at?

A: Every venue has its advantages and disadvantages but if I had to pick one it would be Deer Valley. The atmosphere there is just unique.

Q: Name three things you love about aerials.

A: I really love how the whole aerials community supports each other. I love to flip and twist. And I love the adrenaline kick…

Q: Individual competitions or team events? And why?

A: I go for individual competitions because aerials is still an individual sport. But I also like the team events because you get to celebrate with the team.

Q: What do you wish for the future of the sport?

A: Our sport is absolutely spectacular and I really wish that our sport continues to grow and capture the world’s attention.

Q: Name three things you never travel without on the World Cup circuit?

A: I'll never travel without my slippers, Swiss flag, and candies…