Ilka Štuhec is a Slovenian World Cup alpine ski racer, focusing on the speed events of downhill and super-G. She was a three-time junior world champion in three different disciplines, and was the world champion in downhill in 2017 and 2019.
Women Fitness President talks to the World Cup Champion about her dreams, fitness & lots more!
Namita Nayyar:
Let’s begin by talking about your motivation behind making a career in skiing? What attracted you to skiing as a sport?
Ilka Štuhec:
We have skiing in the family – my parents were ski instructors; we have ski service at home. So, there was no doubt my sister and me will ‘stand’ on skis as well, sooner or later. It began as a hobby but has grown into life. I like to challenge myself in ways how I can improve, be brave even when I feel uncomfortable. So, I guess this was the thing that attracted me the most.
Full interview is continued on next page
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2019 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
Becoming a three-time junior world champion in three different disciplines, and World Champion in a downhill in 2017 and 2019, also taking the crystal globe in downhill and alpine combine in 2017, how has this year been for you so far & were your eyes always set on these goals?
Ilka Štuhec:
All the results so far are history. What happened, happened. I don’t have any bonus now when I stand in the start gate. We all start from zero and I believe everyone there is working really hard to be the fastest. That’s actually most of my year so far – training. The racing season is actually only four months long, so there is a lot of preparation to stay healthy and ready during the season. I always try to go day by day. Of course, big events represent special or extra goals or wishes, but like any other race day, you need to show your best performance.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you like to kick start your day? What does your first meal of the day look like? 5 favorite all-time food supplements.
Ilka Štuhec:
Breakfast! I can’t live without it! (smile) ? What do I eat depends on how much time I have or what’s planed for the day. Oatmeal or some eggs and bread. I don’t eat much supplements, I try to fulfil my needs with a balanced diet.
Namita Nayyar:
Before starting skiing training, what are the key points to keep in mind? 5 essentials for a beginner.
Ilka Štuhec:
That’s a tough one! First, get the equipment that suits you (downhill skis are not recommended ?), then do a really good warm up before you step on snow, watch for others on the slope, safety is very important! Next, you should start slowly and with basic skiing steps. And the most important thing – enjoy every second of skiing!
Namita Nayyar:
Three components that are a must in your fitness regime? 5 exercises to build full-body strength that can be done while traveling?
Ilka Štuhec:
Foam roller, elastics and good training shoes. Hmm, while travelling… Wall sits, plank, hamstring work out (with elastics or Swiss (yoga) ball), sit up, push up. After that it’s all about improvisation and combinations.
Namita Nayyar:
Define the Women Fitness website for our viewers.
Ilka Štuhec:
I would recommend Women Fitness to everyone aware of the importance of a holistic approach when trying to improve their lifestyle. You can find great and positive stories, tips and content for different types of people, wanting to live a healthy lifestyle.
Namita Nayyar:
As a sportswoman, what skincare and hair care routine do you follow to combat the stress of the sport?
Ilka Štuhec:
Many times, my skin shows the stress level I’m in. So, I try to keep my skincare simple – with tonic, homemade moisturizing face cream and sunscreen. My hair is a bit of a different story, as you can probably notice. ? I wash it max. 2 times a week and comb it only wet. It’s really dry, so I’m using hair cream and moisturizing foam.
Namita Nayyar:
Social media has before a huge platform to connect with like-minded people across the globe. How has it helped you in building a boost?
Ilka Štuhec:
Social media is good in a lot of ways – it helps connecting with people, staying in touch with the loved ones and making people happy, at least most of the time, and also connecting with brands that you really care about. It helped me also as a sportswoman. Social media is where most of the brands/sponsors wants to engage, it is a direct way to communicate with fans and therefore it is actually necessary. But in contrast to popular belief, I think everyone should have a “healthy amount” of social media. Spending hours and hours on your phone, not talking to a person next to you is bad for the society and an individual. So yeah, follow me on IG or Facebook or Twitter, but don’t forget to follow your way of life and stay connected in reality as well. ?
Namita Nayyar:
Resolutions or goals for 2020? A motivational quote you live by?
Ilka Štuhec:
Do everything you can in pursuit of your dreams and goals. If you did all you could, there will be no hard fillings or ‘what if’s’. And be nice! You’re never too important to be nice to all living creatures.
Namita Nayyar:
Message for your 90K family on Instagram?
Ilka Štuhec:
Thanks to every single one of you for keeping up. Hope my posts put a smile on your face. See ya! 🙂
Follow her journey here:
This interview is exclusively taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2019 Women Fitness