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'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams' (Eleanor Roosevelt).

To provide a glimpse into how the various national teams and athletes are preparing for the new competition season, the FIS Newsflash will publish a series of articles under the heading ‘Athletes in Summer Training’ over the course of the next couple of months. An interview with the overall FIS World Cup winner Aksel Lund Svindal (NOR), will premiere this year’s series.

FIS Newsflash: What have you been doing after finishing up your season at the Norwegian nationals at the end of March?

Aksel Lund Svindal: After the Norwegian nationals, I went on a round trip. The first stop was a wedding in Rome (ITA). I then visited the Atomic World Cup party in Altenmarkt (AUT) and the Verbier High-Five in Switzerland. After that, I have been busy with training and appearances for my sponsors. In July, it was time for my vacation. It is better to have it then when my friends also have some free time.

FIS Newsflash: You had a truly amazing season: two FIS World Championship gold medals, victory in the overall FIS World Cup, two small crystal globes and five World Cup wins. How does one feel after such a season and what are your goals for the next one during which no title competitions will be held?

Aksel Lund Svindal: The World Cup is the foundation for everything in Alpine Skiing. The World Championships are just five races while during an entire World Cup season we race some 35 races. So a season without any major championships is still an important season. For me, the overall World Cup title is the biggest thing I have won, and can win in skiing, so preparing for the next season is no problem.

FIS Newsflash: How does your summer look in terms of the training schedule?

Aksel Lund Svindal: In May and June we’ve had some training camps together with the team. We spent one week on Lanzarote (SPA) and also have camps in Oslo and elsewhere. In July, there will be no camps, and I plan to work out wherever I am. I won’t make any plans, but will do what is possible where I am. But I will make sure I get in enough running or biking and weight lifting regardless.

FIS Newsflash: Is it difficult to get motivated after so many successes last season?

Aksel Lund Svindal: Motivation is no problem. I enjoy being so fast that I can fight for the big wins. I want to continue to be able to do that.

FIS Newsflash: Equipment-wise, how does it look for you?

Aksel Lund Svindal: I have all the same equipment partners as last year. There is no reason to change; it's been perfect! Because of the new rules, the skis will be a little different next season, but I'm confident we will find the fastest solutions.

FIS Newsflash: In the long-term, what do you still want to achieve?

Aksel Lund Svindal: I wanna be fast. It is as simple as that. Then we will see what happens!

Aksel Lund Svindal was talking to the FIS Newsflash service