Ladies in the Spotlight: Thea Øihaugen (NOR)

Thea Øihaugen comes from a winter sports family and Nordic Skiing has been part of the Norwegian’s life since she was two years. High-time to get to know the 17-year-old hopeful better before a new big ladies’ winter gets underway.

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined?

Thea Øihaugen: I am 17 years old and come from a little place called Gausdal, close to Lillehammer but I live in Trondheim and train together with Granåsen Skiteam. I have been skiing and been on a ski jumping hill basically since I started walking, so it has always been a part of my life. My dad was a ski jumper in his younger days, and he brought my sister to the hill. Of course I wanted to do everything she did, so I jumped for the first time before I was two years old.

You took part in the first Continental Cup event and also the Junior World Championship event last season. What do you think about the big COC calendar, first Summer Grand Prix for ladies and the first-ever chance to win a medal at the Junior World Championships this year?

Øihaugen: It was really cool to take part in the first Continental Cup and the Junior World Championships in Kandersteg. It was especially nice to see that so many girls took part in the competitions. The Continental Cup calendar, the Summer Grand Prix and the first official Junior World Championships is a huge step in the right direction for us girls, and it gives a lot of motivation to continue the hard work.

Have you set any concrete goals for the coming season?

Øihaugen: I haven't really set any concrete goals this season. Because of a lot of illnesses in the past seasons, I'm going to remove my tonsils in August, so my main goal this season is to recover after the surgery and do a lot of good training. If my health is okay, I hope I can have some good experiences through the winter and maybe go to the Junior World Championships.

Which venue do you like to compete at most?

Øihaugen: That’s a hard question to answer, there are so many nice venues. But i think my favorite is Granåsen, and the FIS Youth Cup or Rena. The FIS Youth Cup in Granåsen is really cool because we compete in the same venue as the World Cup, and everything feels really professional. I also like Rena because it is a big hill, and you get an extreme feeling because of the height.

Which other athletes inspire you most?

Øihaugen: There are so many good athletes with good qualities, so I think it’s really hard to choose. I learn a lot by watching the Nordic Combined World Cup, which I think is really inspiring, so I try to take some tips and tricks from there. I also learn a lot from the boys and girls I train with in Granåsen Skiteam.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Øihaugen: I use the most of my time at school or training, so when I have some spare time I like to spend it together with friends and family.