This Friday was a special day for Killian Peier. The Vaudois celebrated his return to the Innsbruck springboard, where he had achieved his best career result last year during the Tour (7e) before getting on his first podium this winter, and on this same necklace where he had picked up the bronze medal from the last Worlds. However, with a 29e place this Friday during the qualifications, the day on the hill of Bergisel did not live up to the expectations of the jumper from the Joux valley. But Killian Peier, who will challenge the American Kevin Bickner tomorrow in the first round of the Austrian competition, never gives up hope and the desire to perform.
Killian Peier, almost a year after your double performance at the last Four Springboards Tour and the World Championships, how do you feel about this Innsbruck springboard?
It’s a very mixed feeling because I have not yet managed to find the necessary fluidity. This is bothering me at the moment and I have to try to gain confidence before the competition.
What is the reason?
I may have set myself higher expectations than usual. This makes it harder for me to focus on my technique and my body. These are small details that I still cannot resolve as I would like. I just have to stay calm and work on what I can do.
Is this a mental problem?
First mental, then technical. But everything starts from the head.
Were you more tense than usual before setting off in qualifying?
No, I wasn’t tense, but I had trouble having a clear idea of what I wanted to do. I’m still looking for my sensations.
Is it possible to find them in one day with more training before the competition on Saturday?
Of course. I still need to rest, because yesterday I was not in shape, I had a little cooling. I need to store energy for tomorrow and regain that coordination before I come to the springboard.
Is the goal to do at least as well here in Innsbruck as during the last Tour?
Yes, surely as well. I’m trying not to think that way, but unfortunately it’s automatic, I can’t control it and that’s what makes it a little difficult.
Yet your 11e room in Garmisch allowed you to gain confidence?
Yes, absolutely, I quickly found the rhythm. So it’s possible to find confidence in a day.
Johan Tachet, Innsbruck
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