PyeongChang 2018: Anna Jochemsen seeks to dethrone Bochet

“I need to have a perfect race with no mistakes to beat Bochet. That is the only way.”

Anna Jochemsen remains optimistic despite facing the difficult mission of beating France´s four-time Sochi 2014 gold medallist and 2017-18 World Cup champion Marie Bochet at PyeongChang 2018.

“I need to have a perfect race with no mistakes to beat Bochet. That is the only way,” the Dutch standing alpine skier said.

“Bochet is a good skier, very consistent, wins a lot but never loses motivation. She always wants to keep winning; losing is a big disappointment for her. That is great to see. It is good for the sport to have her as a competitor.

“In the end, the best skier will win and you can only be happy for that person.”

Jochemsen has had an inconsistent season. Only at the last World Cup in Kimberley, Canada, could she show why she is one of the world's best skiers by taking one gold, two silvers and one bronze.

Now she is already at the Paralympic Village, entering the final stages of her preparation towards the Games. “It is really good that we arrived early and have many days to get used to the time change and the weather. The snow is good. I am enjoying the environment and the Village.

“I hope to win at least one medal. A Paralympic medal is very special. When you win a bronze, you want a silver and then a gold.

“Apart from Bochet, there are many other strong competitors in the category such as Canada's Alana Ramsay and Germany's Andrea Rothfuss.”

PyeongChang 2018 will be Jochemsen’s second Paralympic Winter Games after Sochi 2014. “Everything was new to me four years ago. I could focus on the sport but at the same time felt overwhelmed.

“I remember I did not have high expectations, but still feel could have done better. I made mistakes and had bad luck. It was a very good experience anyway.

“I especially remember the slalom. I was second after the first run but crashed in the second. It was a roller coaster of emotions, from being very happy to disappointed.

“This time in PyeongChang I know what´s coming and I will enjoy it more.”

Every competition as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies can be watched live right here on the International Paralympic Committee’s website. Highlights of each day’s action will also be made available.

Tickets for PyeongChang 2018 can be purchased here.