Get to know: Kodai Kimura (JPN)

Japan’s Kodai Kimura is one of the more experienced athletes in our series “Get to know”. The 19-year-old from Kazuno Akita has participated in four editions of the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships already and won his first medal with the Japanese Mixed Team in Oberwiesenthal this winter. He has started in the World Cup six times but has yet to score points.

How did you start with skiing?

I started skiing in an elementary school class at the age of 7. At first, I only did cross-country skiing.

Why did you pick Nordic Combined as your sport, what fascinates you most about it?

My brother was competing in Nordic Combined, so this is where I caught the bug. It's really cool to fly on one side but cross-country skiing has always been a favourite of mine, so it was great for me not having to choose. (laughs)

What do you have to work harder on, the ski jumping or the cross-country skiing?

If anything, I need to increase my level of performance in ski jumping. However, if we do not improve both sides , we cannot become a world champion. Balance is very important in Nordic Combined.

Do you have a sports idol/role model (inside or outside of Nordic Combined)?

My role model is Akito Watabe. His results are great, of course, but the way he does it and his pursuit of achieving those results is particularly great. I also want to acquire the mental strength to produce such results.

What was your greatest/best/most exciting moment in Nordic Combined so far?

Ah, there has not been one for me yet.  I think the best moment will be when I win a gold medal at the Olympics and win the World Cup overall. I want to feel those great moment as soon as possible. (laughs)

What are your goals for the next season?

I will be fighting for a podium  at the FIS Junior Nordic World Ski Championships in Zakopane (POL) and to make the team to compete in the World Championships in Oberstdorf (GER).

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