Ladies in the Spotlight: Ema Volavsek (SLO)

Next up in the “Ladies in the Spotlight series” is Slovenia’s Ema Volavsek. The 15-year-old has been a fixture on the FIS Youth Cup and the OPA Alpen Cup series and took the lead in the Youth II Girls category after a win and a second place in Oberstdorf. High time to get to know her better.

How did you get involved in Nordic Combined? What do you like most about this sport?

**Ema Volavsek:**I started Nordic Combined only four years ago when I was 12 years old which is very late but soon, I got to the top.

I really like about Nordic Combined that you meet a lot of new people from other countries and get to travel and compete in other countries as well. I chose Nordic Combined as a discipline because it is more diverse than only ski jumping.

Which venue do you like to compete at most?

Volavsek: I really like to compete in Oberstorf because I had my my first podium inn international competition there last year. But I enjoy at all the international and national competitions.

Who are your role models / which other athletes do inspire you most?

**Volavsek:**My role model is Akito Watabe because he is very good at ski jumping and cross-country skiing. I think it takes a lot of time and hard work to get that good.

Others athletes that inspire me are Alessandro Pittin from Italy because he is just so fast on skis and from Slovenia, I admire Rok Jelen because he is very good at cross-country skiing and he never gives up.

I am inspired by all the athletes because they put a lot of serious, hard work and dedication into trainings without guaranteed results.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Volavsek: I like to hang out with my friends and travel and explore new places and new cultures. I enjoy going to the movies and having fun with good company around me. I like to be active and I really enjoy team sports as well because they bring people together.

You are the current Youth Cup leader in your category after the first weekend in Oberstdorf. How happy are you with your current shape?

Volavsek: I am really happy about it because it is my first time being a leader in the  Youth Cup overall standings. I am satisfied with my shape right now and am preparing for the winter with hopes for good results.

What are your goals for the next winter in Nordic Combined? Will we see you in the COC as well?

Volavsek: My biggest goal for this winter are the FIS Junior  World Ski championships in Lahti and I hope to get ti the top in Alpen Cup as well. I hope you will se me in the Ladies’ COC this season as well and I can show some good results there. But I will try to do my best in all competitions.