10 MINS

HENRIK KRISTOFFERSEN

Still only 28, Norway’s Henrik Kristoffersen is one of the most successful ski racers of all time, with 28 wins from more than 70 World Cup podiums (including runner-up to Dave Ryding in Kitzbühel this year). Loved by fans for wearing his heart on his sleeve, Henrik is on new skis this year from the Van Deer company set up by former rival the retired Austrian great Marcel Hirscher. Henrik talked to Rob Stewart at the World Cup 2022/23 tour-opening competition in Sölden in October.

Do you always want to win?

HK “If I do the two best runs of my life and I’m fifth, that’s OK. But right now, the two best runs of my life aren’t going to be fifth. But perfect doesn’t exist; you can always do better.”

You show your emotions; does that help?

HK “I don’t know, but it’s who I am, who I’ve always been.”

How are the new skis?

HK “Not too shabby! Really good, I think it’s working. Most ski companies need to make money and sell skis, but Van Deer’s top focus is to win races. That makes my job easier.”

What did you think of Dave Ryding’s win?

HK “I think it’s great for the sport, great to have diversity in the countries competing. I’ve known Dave so many years and trained a lot with him. I think it was a great thing.”

Full interview on InTheSnow’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/inthesnowmag