In an engaging Tuesday Talk, Jenny Nowak, the standout athlete of the Summer Grand Prix, shared her thoughts on achieving remarkable success in Nordic Combined. The 22-year-old celebrated her top World Cup performance in Schonach, Germany, where she secured two individual victories and clinched the Overall title. With an air of excitement, she reflected on her achievements and the emotional rollercoaster they brought.
Nowak admitted that processing her accomplishments has been a journey. “I’ve had so many impressions and emotions in a short span of time,” she said, chuckling. Despite the whirlwind, she is determined to hold onto the confidence and positivity she felt throughout the Grand Prix season. This was a new experience for her, as major wins had eluded her for a while, but she expressed pure joy at her achievements.
As she prepares for the upcoming winter season, Nowak is aware that improvement is a constant pursuit. While she has reached a high level in both jumping and cross-country skiing, she aims to elevate her skills further. “My jumps were good, but not yet where I want them to be,” she noted, emphasizing her commitment to honing her technique in preparation for the competitions ahead.
Reflecting on her experiences in the World Cup, Nowak spoke about the competitors she’ll face this winter. With fierce rivals like Norwegians Ida Hagen and Gyda Hansen, as well as strong teammates and other athletes from around the globe, she knows the competition will be intense. “There are so many talented girls,” she acknowledged, excited about the challenges that lie ahead.
Team dynamics play a crucial role in an athlete’s success, and Nowak highlighted the importance of camaraderie within the German team. “My team feels like family, and we have a lot of fun while pushing each other to excel,” she stated. Their success in the Grand Prix, where they secured multiple podiums, is a testament to their strong bond and collective spirit.
Looking forward, Nowak has her sights set on the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim. Building on her silver medal from the Mixed Team event in Planica, she aims for both team qualification and her first individual medal. As women’s Nordic Combined continues to evolve, Nowak takes pride in being a part of its history. “I’ve been there for every milestone, and I look forward to seeing our sport grow,” she remarked, hopeful for the future of women’s competition, including potential Olympic participation.
In closing, Nowak emphasized the unique sense of community within the Nordic Combined world. “It’s like being part of a big family,” she said. The supportive environment fosters encouragement and celebration, whether in victory or defeat, making her proud to represent the NoCo community.