For the first time in many years, Martin Koch was
not part of the Austrian World Cup team at the season
opening this winter. But despite this disappointment
the veteran does not loose sight of his goals for
this winter, that is a very important one for him.
"I'll start in the Continental Cup, and there
I can qualify for the World Cup again. My goals
this year are the 4-Hills-Tournament, Sochi and
Harrachov. If I work hard, it can still work for
me", the 32-year-old said in an interview on
sport10.at.
For Martin Koch this winter is not only special
because of the many highlights, but also because
it will probably be his last season. "I've
been in the World Cup for 15 years, I'm a ski jumper
since I was six years old. It's get tougher every
year. If you are not motivated 100 % and you don't
live for the sport 100 %, you won't achieve anything.
Even if you give 98 %. I just feel that it's the
last season where I can give this 100 %."
The athlete from Villach is more than satisfied
with what he achieved so far, but still the motivation
is high for the last couple of months of his career.
"Actually I achieved more than I ever imagined.
I'm Olympic Champion, won World Cups, I am a Holmenkollen
winner. Of course I have goals for this year and
I still want to achieve a lot, that's why I continued.
I don't want to retire and look back someday and
tell myself: More would have been possible. I want
to say to myself that I gave my all, loved the sport
and did everything for it."
For the ski flying expert a medal at the upcoming
Ski Flying World Championships in Harrachov in March
would of course be a perfect ending of a long career.
"This is actually my secret plan. But my plans
don't always work out the way I want."