Interviews
Interview Jessica Smith
“Any race I can win is always a good feeling to me!”Smi Raimann, 25.03.2005
Interview by Vincent Esnaults
Jessica Smith has been in the top positions of both marathons and traditional races of the world for many years now. Winner of the World Inline Cup in 2003, fifth in 2004, World champion of the 10km road relay race and silver of the 15km track and of the 5km track relay race last year, Jessica has the future in her hands - she's only 21! In this interview, she's talking about her changing of team (she has integrated the team of Hyper Race during the winter) and about the coming season. We're listening to you Jessica!
Hello Jessica. How are you?
Hello! The inline season has just begun. Right now, I am doing all types of training for the year. I am currently skating distance drills and getting my base down. I think I will start with my real intense training here soon! I never stop doing technique drills so that is apart of my training all year long.
You must have some indoor races at the moment?
I am actually leaving today for an indoor event. I have been doing some ice speed skating for a few months and now I am preparing to race indoors. Indoors is very intense racing: we skate on a 100m track that is very tight. I really have a lot of fun racing indoors and due to my racing season the last two years, I haven't been able to race much indoors. I am really looking forward to racing some of the indoor events this year.
What did you changed in your preparation this winter, if you changed something?
Every year, I look back to see what I could have done differently to make that year much better and I try to apply it to the following year. This year, I want to go back to a written down program that my coach Robb Dunn gives me. Last year, it was very hard to stick with a schedule due to all the racing.
Last season, you won almost everything possible with your ancient team. Why did you changed for the team of Hyper Race?
I have decided to race with Hyper Racing this year because I felt I needed to be happy with my season and what I wanted out of the race season. I think at some point, everyone needs a little change in their life and this was what I needed. I have had a great time racing for Verducci and with Theresa for the last few years. Verducci has treated me great from the first time I started skating for them. I wish them the best of luck with the race season for 2005!
What will be your goals in 2005?
This year, I will be racing with Cecilia Baena and Kelly Gunther. This year should be very exciting I feel being we have not all raced together. As for races this year we will be attending all major events in all circuits. I think the difference between Hyper and Verducci will be that we (Hyper) will be racing only certain races not really focusing on an overall win in any circuit but to go out and do our best at each race we appear. Verducci has more of a mind set to do good in each race they appear but also to attend races to win the overall in a certain circuit.
The first important race will probably be in Seoul...
We will be having a small training camp to bring us all together and get the feel for one another. As for the training, I am not sure what will be on the agenda but I am sure it will be hard! The Seoul marathon is always a fun way to start off the year. It has very huge turn out of skaters every year. I think that the course is well suited for all racers. It is nice to go to a place and see that so many people have appreciation for a sport that is so small. We need to figure out how to get that everywhere around the world!
You must have some personal ambitions this season on the World Inline Cup circuit...
I have won Zurich three years in a row and of course it would be great to win that race again! When that race comes along, we will see what the race plan is. I don't have the overall ranking as a personal goal this year. I have already won the title in 2003 so I am not really concerned about it. My main goal this year is to race a few races all over and perform to the best of my ability no matter what race it is. As far as winning any particular race, I can't say that I have one in mind. Any race I can win is always a good feeling to me!
You'll probably have a new role in the national team of the US too!
I think that last year we had a pretty well rounded ladies team. I feel that this year will be the same if not stronger. I think no matter how many years you have been on the world team, everyone has something to give mentally. If everyone works together, gives and takes, then it should all turn out well.
Last question: in July, we'll probably know if yes or no inline speed skating will be an Olympic sport. What would be your vote?
I definitely feel that inline speed skating should be an Olympic sport. I think that we put so much of our time and effort into this sport that we should get the recognition we deserve. There is no way that we do not train just as hard or put off just as much important things in our lives for this sport as any other Olympic sport. Our sport uses many different tactics and is exciting to watch. It gives people something larger to strive forward for if it were to be in the Olympics. I would love to see our sport on the television someday soon! Shoot I would love to be on the television getting a medal in the Olympics someday for inline speed skating.
Thanks a lot Jessica! And we wish you a good season in 2005!
