“I was not one of the favourites!”

Germany’s Maria Gerboth was the big surprise of the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Lahti (FIN). The until then relatively unknown Gerboth beat out German team leader Jenny Nowak and many of the international field for a top result, the fourth place, only narrowly missing out on the bronze medal against fastest skier Anju Nakamura (JPN). For TUESDAY TALK, Gerboth talks about her performance, new goals and the Summer Grand Prix 2019.

You will most likely be quite happy with your past season with one podium result in the Continental Cup and the fourth place at the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Lahti. How do you look back on your winter?

Maria Gerboth: I am very proud of my performances, especially also because I did not expect such a rise in my level of performance in the summer.

Your strong result at the Junior World Championships surprised many. Were you more happy about being able to deliver such a result or disappointed that you just missed a medal by one rank?

Gerboth: I did not expect a result like my fourth place at all. I was not one of the favourites. In the beginning, I was a little angry that I lost the medal that late in the race but by now, I am just happy with what I have achieved.

How did you start with Nordic Combined?

Gerboth: I was on holiday and saw some people ski jump. As I knew that some of the boys in my class do this as well, I just went with them to the training one time and it was just so much fun that I stuck with it until today.

Tell us a little bit about your everyday training at the moment!

Gerboth: At the moment, we are combining strength training with ski jumping and running / roller skiing to prepare for the upcoming competition period. I will have the next two weeks off to go on holiday and regenerate a bit. After that, the Alpencup will start in Germany.

Speaking about competitions, the Nordic Combined Summer Grand Prix features three venues for women in Germany this year, one in your home of Oberhof. Do you already know if you will be starting and are you looking forward to your home event?

Gerboth: Yes, I already know that I will be able to start in the Summer Grand Prix. It’s so great that all three events are in Germany. My family will of course come to support me and I think it’s definitely a mental disadvantage to have your loved ones there. Still, I will have to deliver my performance but I am looking forward to trying to give my best.

What are your goals for next winter?

Gerboth: I am working towards for a top result at the Junior World Championships in Germany. On top, I’d also like to achieve more podium results in the Continental Cup and maybe even stand on the overall podium in the end. Of course, I would also like to do well in the national competitions in Germany if I take part in those.