Get to know: Oda Leiråmo (NOR)

17-year-old Oda Leiråmo comes from Mo i Rana in the North of Norway and discovered Nordic Combined through her father. After competing on the FIS Youth Cup circuit for the past four years, she had her first Continental Cup start in Rena (NOR) this winter. Get to know her better with the following questions!

How did you start with skiing / Nordic Combined?

I started Nordic Combined because my dad did it when he was young. It was introduced at a very young age, and I have always thought it was a lot of fun, so I continued doing it.

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

I picked Nordic Combined as my sport not only because my dad did it, but also because I think it’s the most challenging sport. Its filled with excitement and challenges, and you really get to know your good and bad sides. I like the challenges and concentration you have in the hill, and also that I get to push myself to the max in the cross-country course.

Which of the two disciplines do you have to work harder on, the ski jumping or the cross-country skiing?

I definitely have to work harder on the ski jumping part. I live in Trondheim now and have the ability to jump every week during summer and winter. But before, when I lived further north, there were no ski-jumping hills in the summer time. The closest one was in Trondheim or in Örnsköldsvik in Sweden, and both were 50 km away from where I lived. It's also challenging weather up north, so most ski jumping trainings were spent preparing the hill, and then we got to jump a bit after that. I still have a loooong way to go in the jumping bitbut at least now its a little step closer.

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

My sports idol/role model are my teammates. The girls that I get to train with in Trondheim are amazing, and I really look up to them. The rest of the girls on the Norwegian team also give me inspiration and motivation to keep going, and train harder.  I have learned so much from them, and still learn from them today.

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

My best moment in Nordic Combined so far was definitely the Continental Cup at Rena. It was my first time at a COC competition and the best race I’ve had so far. I think it was because I went in with no expectations at all, and my ski jumping was the best I’ve ever done in a competition. I learned a lot, and got to see how the best Nordic Combined athletes work.

What are your goals for the next season?

My goals for the next season are to improve my ski jumping, and to develop as an athlete. Also just relax and have fun when I’m competing, and not overthink it too much.

Follow Oda on Instagram: @odaleir