First interview with Johannes Lamparter after his return from the 2022 Olympic Games

A few days have already passed since the end of the Olympic Games in Beijing. The 20-year-old Tyrolean Johannes Lamparter fought for the medals in all three events of the Nordic Combined, but the others had the better end.

Shortly after Johannes arrived back in Austria, we asked him for a detailed interview and for his very personal Olympic review:

 

The first night at home, what was the best part?

Johannes Lamparter: My own bed! No, of course the best thing was seeing my family and also some friends. Because of the isolation before the games, we really didn’t have much of a time together. I gave everyone a big hug and of course I shared a lot of stories and answered a lot of questions. The Schnitzel from mom was even more important this time!

Especially after the team competition the disappointment was big, is it better now with a little distance?

Johannes Lamparter: Yes and no. The disappointment is still there, of course. But we only had a little time to deal with it. I will definitely come to terms with it and learn my lessons from it. I can be satisfied with my personal performance, but only the first three places count and I felt good in all three competitions. I coped well with the all-around, I grew more and more into it over the days and the body adapted more and more. A little more rest and flow, like last year in Oberstdorf, would have been great. BUT no matter, now it is important to look ahead.

What is the difference between an Olympic competition and a normal World Cup?

Johannes Lamparter: Everything and nothing. It is the same as a normal competition, but the whole thing in Beijing was impressive. It starts with the arrival and the controls, the accommodations and the jumping and running facilities anyway. It was an incredible experience that I wouldn’t want to miss. And of course I want to compete in the Olympics again!

How were the days between the competitions?

Johannes Lamparter: We practiced very well and were even able to watch the ski jumpers compete. When they won the gold medal, we were incredibly happy. We knew that if everything worked out, we could do it too. Otherwise, we spent the time in the accommodation, trained, and of course I used the time to communicate with home. With my closest confidant in matters of planning, development, proper adjustment, etc., Patrick Murnig, I was connected every day via video call and between the competitions and runs we also exchanged information. Unfortunately, he could not be there directly on site, but otherwise he was, as always, my important mental and strategic support.

In four years, the Olympic Games will be held again, almost on our doorstep. Does that help you when people say: Don’t panic, you still have a chance?

Johannes Lamparter: Yes, of course! And it’s true. The words really do me good and I am very grateful. But at the moment, it doesn’t help. I know how close I was and which things could have been better. AND – I could really smell the medal already! The next games are pretty far away and there is still a lot to do until then. For example, this year’s season. We have drawn the right conclusions, discussed everything and made a plan, because it’s about to go on! 😉

Only 20, full of ambition and yet you seem very experienced and also relaxed. What helps you?

Johannes Lamparter: I try to strengthen myself mentally and to develop more and more self-confidence and strength. But also to find the right balance, the right stability and flexibility. I’m glad that I’m in a good position all around. In addition to my family, I have Patrick Murnig at my side, the best companion and guide you can imagine as a top athlete. I have been working with him for about four years on my personal and sporting development. Once again, we have a clear plan of how we are going to perform in the best possible way in the coming weeks. That just gives me a bit of security, which really helps.

You only have a short break, the World Cup moves to Lahti this weekend, what are your plans for the rest of the season?

Johannes Lamparter: The season is still quite intense and there are still five individual races and one team race to go. I will defend the bib of the World Cup leader as good as possible and try to keep it with me. That will be hard enough.

Is winning the overall World Cup now the big goal for this year?

Johannes Lamparter: My lead of 147 points may sound like a big lead, but actually – with the density in our starting field – it is almost nothing. I will give everything, yet I have already achieved more this season alone than ever before. My first World Cup victories, the podium at the Seefeld triple and, of course, the lead in the overall World Cup – I’m very grateful for that.

Your memories of Lahti are positive all the way?

Johannes Lamparter: Yes, Lahti is great! I was able to win my Junior World Championship titles there in 2019 and 2021. I think I will feel very comfortable there again this year. The hill suits me and in the cross-country skiing you can really attack. I can still remember 2019 well, when it was minus 17 degrees there. This time it will not be so cold according to the weather forecast, in any case it will be warmer than in Beijing! ?