Gorazd Pogorelčnik Sets Medal Targets as Slovenia’s Ski Jumpers Prepare for a Big Season

Gorazd Pogorelčnik is aiming high as Slovenia’s ski jumpers and women’s team prepare to open a new World Cup season. After a winter marked by standout results, the head of ski jumping and Nordic combined at the Ski Association of Slovenia says the team’s ambitions remain firmly at the top level. The season begins in Lillehammer with a mixed-team event, and the calendar also brings the women into the full Four Hills Tournament for the first time. Slovenia’s jumpers will later compete at home in Ljubno, while Planica is set to host the traditional season finale in March. For Pogorelčnik, however, the major target is the world championships in Falun, Sweden, at the end of February. He says Slovenia wants a medal in both team events and considers that goal achievable. Pogorelčnik bases his confidence in part on the preparation carried out since May. Following a review of the previous campaign, the team made some adjustments, strengthened parts of its coaching setup and worked to address areas that needed improvement. He says the planned preparations were completed, with only minor changes along the way, and points to strong motivation among athletes and staff. Still, past success cannot guarantee more medals. Pogorelčnik says the expectations surrounding the Slovenian team have grown after seasons with more than 40, and even more than 50, World Cup podium finishes. He recalls that, only a few years ago, 20 podiums would have been considered an outstanding campaign. In his view, those larger totals were exceptional and are difficult to repeat year after year. He also argues that success should not be measured only by victories. A place in the top ten is a significant achievement in elite sport, he says. The high expectations can weigh on the athletes, but Pogorelčnik also sees them as motivation. Now, he says, the work done in training must be confirmed when competition begins.