Ladies in the Spotlight: Triinu Hausenberg (EST)

Together with Annemarii Bendi, Triinu Hausenberg has represented Estonia in Nordic Combined events in the past few seasons. Last year, the 15-year-old won the Youth II girls category ahead of Bendi and is now looking forward to her first Continental Cup season. High time to get to know her a little better.

Why did you settle on Nordic Combined as your discipline?

Triinu Hausenberg: I settled on Nordic Combined discipline because simply I like this sport. I like the combination of ski jumping and skiing. It’s fascinating!

What do you like most about this sport?

Hausenberg: I like on Nordic Combined because in this sport there is alternation and we do a lot of different trainings. Another reason why I like this sport is that I like speed, height and this feeling when I fly. My flying moments are not so long at the moment, but I do a lot of work to make them longer. (laughs)

What are your goals in Nordic Combined in general and for the upcoming season in particular, seeing that we have a first Junior World Championship event and quite a big COC calendar now?

Hausenberg: In this season, I will start in the Continental Cup for the first time, so I have no idea what  my goals there can be, but I will try to do my best. I want to see how good or bad I am, compared to the world's best Nordic Combined women. Also at Junior World Championships in Lahti I’ll try to do my best and I hope that I can get a place in the top 15.

Which venue do you like to compete at most?

Hausenberg: I have visited to quite a few places. I think my best competition was in Vuokatti at the FIS Youth Cup, so I like to compete in Vuokatti the most. I really like the hill and I had a new experience there: skiing in the tunnel in summer.

Which other athletes inspire you most?

Hausenberg: My role model from Estonia is Kristjan Ilves as he is the best Nordic Combined athlete in Estonia. Looking at the entire World Cup, my role model is Akito Watabe. Kristjan and Akito have had shown me that it is okay to fail sometimes. It doesn't mean that you are bad. It just means that you just have keep on working to become one of the best.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Hausenberg: In my spare time I like to spend time with my friends and family and do some fun things, like playing ball, ride motorcycles and visit some cool places.