Erik, third place and thus the bronze medal as the German representative in the Ice Hockey Skills Competition at the 2016 Youth Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway. What kind of a feeling is this?
Erik Betzold: “I'm very happy that it worked out, especially after my difficult start to the competition. Of course, I was also happy about the many congratulations from Cologne, from my family and friends and also from my former club Kassel.”
You just mentioned the fall during the lap run. What was going through your mind in that scene?
Betzold: “That was shit, especially because it happened on the first lap and everything always went smoothly in training beforehand. But then I went through everything in my head and focused on the next tasks. One thing that I take with me as an experience from Lillehammer.”
How did you come to take part in this event?
Betzold: “We had a few tests in various disciplines during a U15 event. Maybe he has DEB I made a selection because in the summer I received an invitation to Finland for the preliminary round. The 40 participants were selected from 50 to 16 candidates from all nations.”
How did you otherwise experience and spend your days in Norway?
Betzold: “It was a very nice time, so there was a bit of sadness when I said goodbye. We lived in the 1994 Olympic Village and I stayed with the German skeleton athletes. I also watched a few other disciplines such as curling and monobob or slopestyle. If not live, then at least on the Internet.”
Is the focus now back on everyday league life with Cologne?
Betzold: “Sure, I’m looking forward to it again. We are close to the final tournament. A championship with the students would be the icing on the cake of this season.”
Interview: Alexander Skasik