Katharina Hennig is a German cross-country skier who represents the club WSC ErgebirgeOberwiesenthal. She resides in Königswalde. Her novel achievements to date are the winning gold medal in the team sprint and the silver medal in the 4 × 5 km relay at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China and silver medal in the 4 × 5 km relay at the 2023 World Champions in Planica, Slovenia.
She belonged to SV Neudorf until 2011 and then started to compete for WSC Erzgebirge Oberwiesenthal in 2011. At the Junior World Championships she won bronze medals with the German women’s relay team in 2013 and 2015. Her best result at the Junior World Championships was the silver medal in the 10 km freestyle race behind Sweden EbbaAndersson in Rasnov, Romania. She made her World Cup debut on January 24, 2016 in NovéMěsto, Czech Republic. In January 2017, she achieved her first World Cup podium finish in Ulricehamn, finishing second in the team relay.
She competed at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2017 in Lahti, Finland. In Lahti, her best finishes were 11th in skiathlon and sixth in team relay. Cross-country skiing at the 2018 Winter Olympics was held at the Alpensia Cross-Country Skiing Centre in Pyeongchang, South Korea. In event 4 × 5 km relay won Silver Medal.
Cross-country skiing at the 2022 Winter Olympics was held at the Kuyangshu Nordic Center and Biathlon Center in Zhangjiakou, China In event Team sprint won Gold medal.
At the 43rd FIS Nordic World Ski Championships were held from 21 February to 5 March 2023 in Planica, Slovenia. In the event 4 × 5 km relay won Silver medal.
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Katharina Hennig an exceptionally talented German cross-country skier, Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist; here she talks about her fitness routine, her diet, and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You live in Königswalde, Germany. You belonged to SV Neudorf until 2011 and then started to compete for WSC Erzgebirge Oberwiesenthal. In the 2013 FIS Nordic 36th Junior World Ski Championships held at Liberec, Czech Republic you won a bronze medal in the event 4 × 3.33 km relay. This later propelled your career to the height where you have been at the top of the world of cross-country skiing. Tell us more about your professional journey of exceptional hard work, tenacity, and endurance?
Katharina Hennig:
As a child, I already loved cross-country skiing, often going on tours with my family. Skiing became ingrained in my life, leading me to make the decision to attend a boarding school at the age of 13, a choice I’m proud of in retrospect. Sport became a significant part of my life. I’ve always been ambitious and purposeful as an athlete, but the path to events like the World Ski Championships or the Olympic Winter Games is arduous, especially in endurance sports like cross-country skiing. What mattered most was having a supportive environment with my parents and coaches, who instilled in me the joy and fulfillment that comes from participating in this sport.
Namita Nayyar:
You at the 2022 Winter Olympics that was held at the Kuyangshu Nordic Center and Biathlon Center in Zhangjiakou, China in the Cross-Country Skiing event Women’s Team Sprint Classic won the Gold medal. Tell us more about this spectacular achievement of yours?
Katharina Hennig:
Before the Olympic Winter Games, I achieved three individual podiums in World Cup races, including twice in Val di Fiemme and once in Ruka, along with numerous top-ten finishes. My performance steadily improved over the years. My ultimate goal for the Games was to contend for a medal in the team events, a dream I had cherished since childhood.
It’s challenging to peak at such crucial competitions, requiring a deep understanding of one, both physically and mentally, and the guidance of coaches to reach one’s highest potential. In Beijing, I accomplished that feat, and returning home with two medals, including an Olympic gold, was an indescribable feeling. I’m immensely proud of what our team achieved together.
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2024 Women Fitness
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.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Katharina Hennig:
In addition to traditional strength training, core stabilization exercises play a significant role in my regimen. Working with a sling trainer has proven to beparticularly effective for enhancing core strength and stability. Moreover, core work is integrated into our training sessions on roller skis or skis, emphasizing the importance of a strong core for maintaining good technique and speed. A solid core serves as the foundation for athletic performance and is essential for maximizing efficiency and power in cross-country skiing.
Given the extensive hours of training in our sport, we burn a significant amount of calories, making carbohydrate replenishment crucial during periods of intense training or competition. Overall, my nutrition revolves around a healthy, varied, and balanced diet, with an emphasis on consuming less meat and incorporating plenty of vitamins. When training volume decreases, I adjust my food intake accordingly, ensuring a balance between input and output to maintain optimal energy levels and performance.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Katharina Hennig:
I have a diverse palate, enjoying pizza, pasta, risotto, sushi, and fruits. The only food I dislike is broccoli, but overall, I consider myself open-minded when it comes to trying new foods and flavors.
Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your hair care and skincare routine.
Katharina Hennig:
I exclusively opt for products with a significant portion of natural ingredients. Since my hair tends to be very dry, I frequently utilize high-quality moisturizing products.
As for my skin, I rely on a cream specifically designed for babies, formulated without any artificial ingredients.
Namita Nayyar:
Athletic leisure brand you love to wear.
Katharina Hennig:
When it comes to sports apparel and footwear, I exclusively choose Adidas.
Namita Nayyar:
Five travel destinations on your wish list.
Katharina Hennig:
On my travel wish list, I have Sardinia, Iceland, Tuscany, Corfu, and New Zealand.
Namita Nayyar:
What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and the message for its visitors?
Katharina Hennig:
It’s fantastic that this website encourages women of all ages to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding cross-country skier girls, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to the ladder of success in the field of cross-country skiing?
Katharina Hennig:
Accepting the situation is crucial. Having a goal to strive for is important, but equally vital is setting smaller aims for ongoing motivation. Consistently working toward these smaller steps each day is key to progress. Enjoy the journey, give your all, and chase your dreams with passion and purpose.
Katharina Hennig Social Media Presence
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katharinahennig/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/katharinahennigxcski/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwbz3l10Q1M
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2024 Women Fitness