Toulouse (AFP)

Olympic champion and two-time World Cup mogul Perrine Laffont (21) tackles the new season, which begins Saturday in Ruka (Finland), with the certainty of being able to "still progress" and "to go very far as she assured in an interview with AFP.

Q: In what mood do you start this season?

A: At the end of last season, I asked myself some questions. We often do the same thing, but it's my job. And I feel very lucky to live skiing, to have managed to turn this passion into a profession. I'm doing bumps for fun. But mostly because I feel that I still have the ability to progress. I know I can still go very far. And I want to keep winning.

Q: Until when do you see yourself competing?

A: Today, I am planning until the next Olympics, in 2022 (in Beijing, ed). After, I do not know too much. When I started, I saw myself (in competition) until I was 30 years old. Now, I have solicitations and great opportunities. Maybe I will want to go to other projects while staying in the ski. I finished last season quite tired. It has lengthened my rest period. Currently, I am just sure that I will be at the next Olympics. Then...

Q: Is it harder to start a season with the skier tag to unbolt from her pedestal?

A: That's right, I wear this status. But upstairs, at first, I'm like the others. I can do a great run. Or not. And I have only two certainties: my ambitions and my technical objectives to achieve.

Q: Yourself had a new jump last year. Will you renew this season too?

A: We can not change jumps from one year to the next. I'm working on my current jumps. Maybe I will bring a little more trouble with + grab + (catch the skis with the hands, note). So, I'll take more points on my note. But I do not know yet if I'll get there (laughs).

Q: Your titles have brought you to light. Do you enjoy your reputation?

A: The Olympic title has changed things. But it's not like I can not walk around the streets anymore. There are more solicitations. But I am well surrounded. In skiing, as in the contractual and business plan. I took a press officer and a lawyer, specializing in sports law.

Q: Does this reputation allow you to earn enough money?

A: I can live skiing thanks to my results. In total, today, I have about ten partners. Others might be added. But my goal is not to sign for partners + one shot + (a single operation, Ed), for a competition like the Olympics. I want to build a story with a brand in the long term that sticks to my image, my personality, my everyday life. For example, I will do an internship at one of my partners for the university degree, + Marketing of commercial relations +, where I registered after having validated this year my DUT.

Q: Will you continue your studies?

A: "After the license, I'll see: a great business school makes me want."

Interviewed by Remy ZAKA

© 2019 AFP