Lindell-Vikarby says success comes only if you dare to fail

By Published On: October 30th, 2014Comments Off on Lindell-Vikarby says success comes only if you dare to fail
Jessica Lindell-Vikarby following the 2014 Soelden opener. GEPA

Jessica Lindell-Vikarby following the 2014 Soelden opener. GEPA

Sweden’s Jessica Lindell-Vikarby had an incredible 2013-2014 season. After scoring her first giant slalom win on the Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek on Dec. 1, 2013, she led the GS standings all the way until World Cup Finals in Lenzerheide. In the end, she amassed five podiums but narrowly lost the season title to Anna Fenninger in the last race of the year. With her 11th-place finish in the Soelden opener (ninth after first run), she had a solid start heading into the World Championship season. 

Jessi, the season is on. How was your opening race?

We all knew it was going to be tough out there on the race course in Soelden. So, finishing 11th is not too bad, the differences are so small. It is not like I feel I cannot ski. If I ski like I know I can, I know I will be right up there.

The 2013-14 season was the best one in your career so far. It is as if something clicked for you, what do you think made the difference?

I think all the small pieces came together: the technique and timing in my skiing, a better self-confidence and more offensive attitude — you really have to dare to fail in order to win! It was an amazing season; I had so much fun and I was really enjoying it.

You only lost the small World Cup crystal globe in giant slalom to Anna Fenninger at the Finals; how did that feel?

I did my best the whole season and could never have dreamed of wearing the red bib for six races in a row. I fought hard until the last run, so it was sad in one way to loose the globe but still I felt really happy and satisfied with my performance last season.

Unfortunately, the Games in Sochi did not quite go as well. With the benefit of hindsight, is there something you would do differently if you could now?

Hmm, good question! I was really disappointed after the race; in fact I have never felt that strong disappointment before. I don’t know what or how to do it differently but for sure I gained some experience from the Sochi Games. I’ve never been at a title event before where people were calling me the favorite for gold. You don’t want that to impact you but somehow it does. You just have to find your way of using it to your advantage! 

Was it difficult to recharge after last season? 

I was really tired after the Finals physically but also mentally. It took me a while to regain my energy and to recharge for some ski tests and races in the springtime. I went for a vacation at the end of April, and it was sweet to be able to think of totally different things and just relax. And otherwise the summer in Sweden was the warmest in 100 years so we were lucky. My boyfriend and I have a motorboat so we took some beautiful trips in the Stockholm archipelago!

Last season, you won the giant slalom dress rehearsal for Vail-Beaver Creek 2015  – does that make you the favorite for the title?

I don’t feel like I’m under pressure but for sure I will be one of the favorites since I won there last year. It gives me a lot of energy and positive vibes to think of the giant slalom in Beaver Creek! I am excited that the ladies will race on the men’s course. I love the Birds of Prey hill! It’s a nice giant slalom course with both flat and steep sections in it.

I also skied the super G on the Raptor last year and it’s a really challenging and technical course. The best skiers will win the medals there!

What is your favorite thing about the US?

I like the shopping best! And New York is really inspiring as a town.

What is your best skiing memory?

We were in Aspen a couple of years ago and it dumped some 1.5 meters of snow. We skied power in the woods all day long; it was fantastic!

The Swedish ladies have a great team. How important are your teammates to you, both on and off the snow?

Yes, we have a great team both in the races and outside the race arena as well. We are close and support each other really well, which means a lot to me. We travel some 200 days a year together so it’s like a second family! And for sure it’s great to have someone fast to compare yourself with in training!

Which achievement are you most proud of?

Making it here, where I am now. The journey has been a big learning experience and I have had a chance to enjoy many beautiful places and people. It has included emotions from tears of joy to sadness. Injuries, fights and euphoria have all been mixed in.

Release courtesy of the Organizing Committee for Vail-Beaver Creek 2015

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About the Author: SR Staff Report