PyeongChang 2018: Jesper Pedersen aims to win multiple medals

“I see myself winning gold, I am hoping for that. Giant slalom is definitely my favourite event, I won every giant slalom race this season. But I also feel confident towards the super-G and the slalom.”

Much is expected from Jesper Pedersen at PyeongChang 2018. At only 18 years old, the Norwegian alpine sit-skier enjoyed a breakthrough season, winning the overall and the giant slalom World Cup crystal globes.

But besides his hard work and innate talent for the sport, there is another reason for Pedersen’s success: he trains with the Norwegian Olympic team and receives advice from none other than two-time Olympic champion Aksel Lund Svindal.

“I very much look up to Svindal,” said Pedersen. “He came back from many injuries and still won gold in the men´s downhill at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics.

“We share many trainings with the Olympic team. He gives me advice, is a very nice person. I am hoping to achieve what he did, but he is an experienced skier, there is a long way to go for me to win so many things.”

Despite the long flight from Norway to South Korea, Pedersen feels he is not too tired. He shows excitement and anxiety for the Winter Paralympics to start. “I feel fine, it was a long travel and everything looks good,” he said.

“I have been training a lot lately, just need to adjust some small details before the Games kick off. Just small things. I feel ready,” he said.

The multiple gold medals he won at the 2017-18 World Cup season have been an absolute surprise for Pedersen, who had previously set lower goals. “I wanted to claim medals, but actually finishing first in the overall standings, was just great and unexpected for me,” he said.

“My results are above my expectations. Everything has gone really fast, winning at only 18 years old. Hopefully I will continue like this in PyeongChang.”

Pedersen´s old aim was to win a Paralympic medal at Beijing 2022. But considering his recent success, the Norwegian updated his goals. “I want to win one medal already at PyeongChang 2018. And be ready to fight for even more,” he said.

“I see myself winning gold, I am hoping for that. Giant slalom is definitely my favourite event, I won every giant slalom race this season. But I also feel confident towards the super-G and the slalom.”

Tickets for PyeongChang 2018 can be purchased here.