Interview with -Roberto Dellasega

Interview with -Roberto Dellasega Roberto Dellasega (born 15/06/1990 in Cavalese) can call the last season the best one of his career so far. He earned the 2nd place in Klingenthal's COC in September 2013 and the 14th in Zakopane's competition, he also got WC-points while being a frequent guest of the top twenty. Besides he started in every competition of last season's Four-Hills-Tournament and is an important member of Italy's national team. SkiJumpingItaly had the chance to talk to Roberto and ask him everything about ski-jumping and the man behind the sport! SkiJumpingItaly: Ciao Roberto, we’re glad you’re taking the time to answer our questions.

Roberto Dellasega: Hi! It's a pleasure for me to make this interview.

SJI: Well then, here’s the first one: Why and when did you start with ski-jumping?

RD: I made my first step at the age of 6 to try a different sport. My father was a ski-jumper and in my mother's family ski-jumping is very important (her cousin Ivo Pertile was a ski-jumper too and also his uncle Piero Pertile was a ski-jumper and trainer, and he was my first trainer). Also to have a stadium in Predazzo was very important for this decision.

SJI: Who is your idol?

RD: When I was a kid my idols were Adam Malysz and Janne Ahonen.

SJI: What is the best thing about being part of the Italian team for you?

RD: It is to represent my nation all around the world with my passion and my job. The fact, which makes me even happier and free is to be with a great team, great teammates and friends.

SJI: That’s good to hear! What can you tell us about the work of your coach Walter Cogoli?

RD: Walter is very professional in his job! He gave us a lot of help and he has lots of passion in his job - and he does everything with a smile, but when there’s the time to work hard, he is the first to do it all with 110% of professionalism. He is very important for me... and I think also for the whole team.

SJI: And what do you think about Paolo Bernardi as your new coach and what do you expect for the new season with him?

RD: Paolo... there is no word to describe Paolo... he has everything it needs to make our team bigger. He has a lot of advice for all jumpers and can tell many stories of his past as he has brought the U. S. Women Team to the top in the world! I'm very honored to have a coach like Paolo. He put on me new motivation to make my dream real.

SJI: That leads us to the question about your goals for the next season and your whole career!

RD: Well my last season was the best of my career, and I want to give more consistency to my jumps in training and in competition. My goal is to be part of the WSC in Falun and get into the top 15 of the world.

For my career I do not know; this sport is so unpredictable that one day you're on top, the next day you're out. But my dream is to win one World-Cup competition. Let’s see.

SJI: We’re definitely crossing our fingers for your goals! Besides, which place/jumping or kind of competition do you like best?

RD: The race that impressed me most was my first time in Willingen, Zakopane, Planica and Oslo - I never seen such a crowd of people for a ski-jumping competition... amazing!

And also the WSC in Val di Fiemme was special for me, as to jump in a World-Championship in my hometown in front of my friend was amazing! The last season also the 4-Hills-Tournament was very exciting for me because I could make all 4 competitions and the hills, which I love to jump are Zakopane, Bischofshofen, Predazzo and also Planica.

SJI: So let’s switch the themes. Would you like to tell us more about you as a person?

RD: Well, I like to eat fish and meat and I’m listening to music on the basis of periods, but I love rock, hard rock, reggae, hardstyle and rap.

SJI: What was the hardest thing so far for you in ski-jumping?

RD: The hardest thing for me is to be away for a long time - far from my family and friends - for me this really is the hardest thing.

SJI: What else matters for you in life besides ski-jumping?

RD: That is being with friends, with my family and my girlfriend. It counts a lot for me to do these things and to relax while being away from jumping.

SJI: And last but not least: Is there something you would like to say to the fans and to young ski-jumpers?

RD: Thanks to all the fans of Italy’s ski-jumping and to all fans of ski-jumping in general, the support that we do get as athletes is very rewarding and important for us.

And to all the young jumpers ... always believe in what you do!

That says it all! Again, THANK YOU for the interview, Roberto! We wish you all the best as well as lots of fun and luck for the upcoming season and all success for your goals!

• Interview by Peggy Kierstan