Namita Nayyar:
On 7th January 2023 at Italy Val di Fiemme, Italy you won the Gold Medal in the event cross-country skiing 15 km Mass Start C at the Stage World Cup. Tell us more about this landmark achievement in your sporting career.
Katharina Hennig:
Val di Fiemme holds a special place in my heart as my favorite location on the World Cup circuit, with fond memories of podium finishes in 2020 and 2021. Consequently, there are always higher expectations from both myself and the media when I compete there, but that’s something I’ve learned to manage. In those races, I had a clear goal and remained focused solely on the race and my technique.
Standing on the top step of the podium is an indescribable feeling, made even more special by the presence of my family cheering me on, providing me with immense strength and making the moment all the more emotional.
Namita Nayyar:
In January 2017, you won a silver medal at your first World Cup podium finish in Ulricehamn, Sweden in the sport Cross-Country Skiing event team relay. How it motivated you to achieve greater laurels in the sports of your choice, i.e. cross-country skiing.
Katharina Hennig:
Being part of the relay team in my first year on the World Cup circuit filled me with immense happiness. Relays operate by different dynamics, and despite being relatively new to the women’s category, we managed to reach the podium. It was a fantastic feeling to achieve that feat, showing me that sometimes, with unwavering determination and commitment, anything is possible.
The week before the Under-23 World Ski Championships, I had a strong individual performance in the 10km classic race in Otepää, finishing 9th. This success fueled my motivation for the classic mass start event in Lahti. However, I ended up doing too much work at the front of the group, which wasn’t my best tactical race. Despite this, I managed to secure 3rd place in the end, earning a medal and feeling satisfied with the result. It was a valuable learning experience that I could apply to future races.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Katharina Hennig:
The majority of my weekly training regimen focuses on endurance, involving activities like running, biking, and roller skiing, or skiing during winter. Around 90% of this training is easy-paced, with the remaining 10% dedicated to higher-intensity workouts. Additionally, I incorporate two strength training sessions per week, emphasizing exercises targeting the upper body, such as core and back stability, often utilizing my own body weight. It’s also crucial to enhance maximum power in both arms and legs, particularly for achieving speed on the homestretch, which involves exercises with a barbell.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
