Ilia Rosliakov chatting with us

Our job is to ensure our fans with some good quality news but most of all interviews who can give you and give us the chance to get to know a bit better the ski jumpers you like most. We have had Romoren, Damjan, Bresadola, it’s now time to go to Russia, with one of the most charismatic ski jumpers around, we talking about Ilia Rosliakov. I had the pleasure to meet Ilia a few times in the past and he is for sure one of the most crazy but also nice guys in the circuit. Last year for Russia has been a traumatic one, from the death of Pavel Karelin to the many other issues around the Russian ski federation, but once more the team have proved they never give up. Sochi is “around” the corner as in two years time the OG will take place right there, so let’s found out what are Ilia expectations for that date.

SJI: Privet Ilia! Thank you for accepting to answer some of our questions, first one, did you rest a bit since the season is over? IR: Yes, we rested for two weeks.

SJI: Can you describe to us how was for you the past season? IR: The past season turned out to be not easy at all, because of the previously performed surgery on my knee, but I am very pleased with the end of the season with second place at the championship of Russia.

SJI: Last year has been a traumatic one for you guys with Pavel passing away so soon, almost a year on what have changed into the team since his death? IR: I think that in every member of the team, we all feeling bad inside. Pavel was a great friend not only within the team, but also outside it, it’s hard to lose friends.

SJI: You’re constantly away from home because of ski jumping, how difficult it is for you and your family to cope with that? IR: I was young when we went to competitions in Russia, it's not two hours by car like in Europe, it's 3 or 4 days in Mother Russia by Train ;-) , which i'm used to it since the early years and now it is customary for me, communication technology is very good, and it helps me to keep in touch at home.

SJI: In two years time there will be the Olympic Games in Sochi, how are you preparing yourself for that? IR: Before preparing for the Olympics i must first understand what i expect from it! I believe in the success of the Russian team, it's set up in combat mode, which means not paying attention to anything else, we need to work even more than before!

SJI: SGP will start in a couple of months, have you already started to training again? Will you take part in all the competitions? IR: We started training in April, but just with the power training, we will starting with the jumping at the hill at the end of May. About the participation at the summer competitions is not relevant, only the ones who trained better will take part, so time will tell. SJI: How do you usually prepare yourself before any Summer/Winter season? IR: I must prepare like everyone else, working on the physical condition and paying attention to the technical skills on the ground.

SJI: We all know you singing in a band, tell us more about it….is this your plan for the future once you finish with ski jumping? IR: No, it's just for fun. I like rock-n-roll :) SJI: When did you start with ski-jumping and what was the reason for that?

IR: I started with ski jumping in 2002. Why? before that I was a Nordic combined athlete, when I went to the Russian championship i won in the ski jumping event on the K-120, so this was the reason :) SJI: What is your opinion on the development of rules during the last seasons, regarding that there most likely will be a new jumping suit coming?

IR: I agree with all the trends and rules in ski jumping win anyway strongest!

SJI: And last question for today: What would you like the fans to know about you? Do you have a wise word for them about ski-jumping or in general?

IR: Jumping - the most spectacular winter sport! Stay on the Hill !!!

Very well, our time with Ilia is now over but we hope you liked the interview as much as we liked to take it. You can follow Ilia on his Twitter page @iliarosliakov. [@KokkaMufc]