GTF

May GTF of the Month: Jutta Lammi

Written by Krista Rogers
Wednesday, 09 May 2012 20:08
Tweet Hometown: Finland Current Location: London How did you get into skiing? I grew up at the lake with my whole family skiing but it took me a while to get the hang of training seriously. My older siblings were already competing and it felt a bit intimidating at first. When did you decide to commit yourself to the skiing and take it seriously? By the time I was 9 and had skied my first competition (winning with a score of 0) I was hooked, I wanted to keep winning. Do you consider yourself to be an adrenaline junkie? I’m not very good at trying new things, but then again I will always try and be as tough as the guys Can you give us a rundown of your average day during the season? I ski with my family and my cousin Emi. My brother Jarno coaches us and I drive the boat most of the time. If the weather sucks, we rely on the sauna to warm up after a ski. Luckily the past few summers have been amazing. We ski mainly evenings, thanks to the long days in the north and we try and get in as many sets as possible, this would normally include a jump set and a set of cutting. Our lake is massive and not always sheltered around the courses but its great for riding your jumpers. What’s your favorite lake to fly at? Our site at home in Finland. My family has worked so hard to make our site world class (this includes 2 ramps) for training and I appreciate it so much. What has been your most memorable moment so far? Winning the u21 Europeans at my home club in Tampere. It was the first time my whole family saw me jumping at a big competition so it was like a win for the whole family. How do you prepare for a big competition? I try and build up my jumping gradually and I time the peak of the season around the biggest competitions. Do you still get nervous before a big tournament? That would be a definite yes. Either I shut myself off or I get completely awkward, I never know which one its going to be. I just try and work with my nerves. What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes? What is your relationship with the other GTF? Some of these girls I’ve known since I was 10. When I skied in the junior divisions in the Scandinavian championships I looked up to the older girls who were getting better and better. I wanted to ski at their level so bad and kept working hard on my jumping. I would love to spend more time with all the girls, and hopefully I can spend some more time in the US next year. Do you think the jump suit will ever evolve to be figure flattering? I only wear guys models as they are much slimmer and better with the arm sling. I’m really happy with the suit I have. What are your suitcase essentials when you’re on the road? I’m really good at packing as little as possible. This might be because I rely on my sister or cousin bringing the hairbrush, shampoo and the rest of the girly stuff (and they know this). What have been your biggest career setbacks? My degree taking up so much time. Its been super difficult balancing my time on and off the water. Sitting in front of the computer 14h a day has paid its toll. Any words of wisdom to share with up and coming jumpers? Especially girls? Learn to take advantage from riding your jumpers. I ride my jumpers everyday, it’s the best way to get rid of bad habits without worrying about hitting the ramp. Enjoy the competitions and try and inspire all the girls to jump! Where would you like GTF to be in 5 years? Its been great to see so many pro tournaments take on the girls event as well. I hope we get more and more exposure and possibilities in the next few years and I’m really looking forward to taking part in more competitions. What’s up next for you? I’m graduating in early summer 2012 with a BA in interior architecture. After this its all about jumping. I’m hoping to be able to carry on with some design projects straight away but most importantly I want to take part in all the comps I’ve missed because of uni. I miss home a lot and I also miss my second home at ITS in Florida. Why should everyone read this buy a GTF calendar? When it feels like the days at the lake are passing too quickly it’s a good idea to get distracted by some girls that fly.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 09 May 2012 20:22

April GTF of the Month: Tina Rauchenwald

Written by Krista Rogers
Sunday, 01 April 2012 00:00
Tweet Hometown: Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria Sponsors: Kaernten Sport Kelag; Oesterreichische Sporthilfe; Mum&Dad Current Location: Vienna, Austria How did you get into skiing? I grew up with skiing because of my family… so I didn’t really have a choice ;) When did you decide to commit yourself to the skiing and take it seriously? When I was 16 and won my first European Championships title in the Under17 category, I knew that I was going to do this sport for quite some time. Do you consider yourself to be an adrenaline junkie? Not exactly, I’d say. Because it’s not exactly the adrenaline rush that I love, but the feeling of relief afterwards, when all the adrenaline is gone again. There’s nothing better than the feeling of flying in the air, after your adrenaline level has been ridiculously pumped up, because your cut was so late. Can you give us a rundown of your average day during the season? This season, I did not have one single average day. But normally, if I have an average day during my season, I get up early in the morning (maybe do some morning yoga) and have a goooood breakfast (most important meal of the day!). Then I get in the car to drive about 45min to our training site. There, I usually take one or two slalom rides and two jump sets. Sometime in the afternoon we’re on our way back (45min in the car again). At home, I eat something real quick and then I’m off to the big lake (in front of my house) to take a trick ride. When I get back home, it’s normally close to getting dark already and if I still have energy left, I do a little core work-out or some stretching. By the end of the day, I fall into my bed and can’t wait to get up again J What’s your favorite lake to fly at? My favorite lake to fly at is definitely my home lake in Austria. It’s a big public lake and I love the feeling of being in the air and seeing water all around me. My favorite ramp though resides in Meuzac, France. What has been your most memorable moment so far? I think one of my most memorable moments was placing second at an Under21 European Championship, but being the happiest person in the world. I felt like I had won, because I knew that I had given everything I could and I also jumped a personal best. How do you prepare for a big competition? Ski, ski, ski… and maybe take a day off right before the competition. Do you still get nervous before a big tournament? Depends on the tournament J What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes? What is your relationship with the other GTF? The atmosphere is great and I am actually sad that I don’t get to spend more time with the other GTFs since I am not currently living in the USA. What are your suitcase essentials when you’re on the road? I don’t really have any essentials, but I always forget to take a hairbrush! What have been your biggest career setbacks? When I was 17, I was at my personal peak and thought that I was just going to jump further and further every season… until I crashed and tore two ligaments in my knee. After that it took a while to get my confidence back up and I am still working on it today. The injury definitely cost me some time, but injuries are part of the sport and at the same time it made me stronger and it made me realize that you have to work hard and try even harder for everything that you want to achieve. In your opinion what have your greatest achievements been so far? I’m still waiting on them… Who or what are your inspirations? My grandma… because she is just such a strong lady. And everyone who is going their own way no matter what! How do you relax when you get the chance? There is no better way to refuel some energy than to turn off my mind and to spend a beautiful day out on the lake with a couple of friends… just chilling in the sun. Any words of wisdom to share with up and coming jumpers? Especially girls? Believe in yourself and push yourself a little further every time you’re on your skis (but don’t do anything stupid)! What’s up next for you? University and a lot of off-water-training to get prepared for next year. Why should everyone read this buy a GTF calendar? Because the calendar is even better than our interview J Websites: http://www.kaerntensport.net/?p=info&uid=67
Last Updated on Sunday, 01 April 2012 15:05
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March GTF of the Month: Maj Lund Jepsen

Written by Krista Rogers
Monday, 05 March 2012 09:43
Tweet Fell in the water when I was 7 and that day I skied for the first time. So pumped to feel as cool as my older sister. I had my international breakthrough in 2009, I ended up with a bronze at the Worlds and European champion with a shiny gold medal. I love following my dreams and keep working hard to make them possible. The season is short in Denmark and to maintain improvement and competing against the best in the world I spend a lot of time training in Florida. In the 3 winter months I work as a physiotherapist. Love snow skiing when I get the chance. Wish we’d have mountains in Denmark. I get quite a few comments about my body shape, but nobody has got it right yet. I’ve Wow, strong legs! Are you a cheerleader, soccer player, body builder, kick boxer? ... I’m always proud to tell that I’m a Girl That Fly! Hometown: Copenhagen, Denmark Sponsors: Stokes Skis, Puma, Nutramino, VonZipper, B4restore, Team Danmark Current Location: Orlando & Copenhagen How did you get into skiing? Big sister started skiing. Wanted to be cool like her and the other older kids. When did you decide to commit yourself to the skiing and take it seriously? At 11 or 12 years of age I was picked as a upcoming talent a long with my sister and I felt very special. We went on a ski-camp and the skiers on the national team taught us how to ski hard and taught us about sacrifices. I think the commitment was gradually but the camp probably kick started me. Do you consider yourself to be an adrenaline junkie? I haven’t seen myself that way, but I’ve realized that I am. Whenever I see a ramp I get this quick since of flying through the air with tons of speed - and I actually feel the rush in my stomach. Just want to get out there and get that feeling for real! Can you give us a rundown of your average day during the season? USA: Get up around 7. Turn on the oven and bake buns (In Denamark we have dark bread very rich in fibers – I bake it my self when I’m in the states.) 1-2 cups of coffee and eating my breakfast. Catch up with the morning news and reply on a few emails. I’ll brush my teeth on the way to the lake in the car as I’m often running a little late. Always bring my fresh sandwich buns for lunch and a Coke zero for the ride back home. Usually I’ll have 2 jump sets and usually one slalom set. Jump in the boat and help out driving. Stretching, drive home (drinking my importent coke on the way), grocery shopping, go to the gym or go for a run. Might catch up with friends, cook dinner. Reply on emails and jump to bed. Being in Denmak is the same patern though I spend as much time with my boyfriend as possible. Biggest difference is that I don’t have a car, so when I’m at home I’ll ride my bicykle 16km to the lake and back again. It’s a good warm up! What has been your most memorable moment so far? When I won the Europeans in 2009. Same season I had my breakthrough and didn’t expect to do so well. Before the Euros I won bronze at the Worlds. How do you prepare for a big competition? Make sure I don’t over ski. Get enough sleep and do what makes me happy and relaxed. I’m never low in protein. Do you still get nervous before a big tournament? I always get a lot of butterflies at big tournaments. When I was young I’d be so nervous that I’d cry – but when I got on the water I’d be a 100%. Now I handle the tears a lot better! What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes? What is your relationship with the other GTF? We do stick together in the group. Of course I see some of the girls more than others. Been skiing a lot with June Fladborg. Occasionally I ski with Marion and Natalia. Will also hang out or have dinner besides skiing. Any funny or most embarrassing stories you care to share? Was at a ski clinic with Ray Stokes in Germany. I drove back at noon in order to be back in Denmark for nationals the day after. After 4 hours on the highway they call and tell me that I forgot my slalom ski. I had to go get it. Suddenly the trip back went from 7 hours til 15 hours total. Didn’t get much sleep but got my best slalom score for the season at Nationals Do you think the jump suit will ever evolve to be figure flattering? Well, usually padded suits are only good if the padding is around the chest. For girls at least. I’ve got a hump on the back of my Stokes Suit so not sure the evolving is going the right direction. Painting the suit a nude color and adding a bikini might help? What are your suitcase essentials when you’re on the road? My protein bars from Nutramino for sure. I love the bars as they are high on protein, short on calories but really tasty. …they also save me when you really feel like snaking in between meals – a weakness of mine. What have been your biggest career setbacks? Ray Stokes has been the Danish National coach for more than 10 years. I have 100% trust in him and he makes me confident like no one else. He always sent me on the right track and I really miss skiing with him. In your opinion what have your greatest achievements been so far? Coming from northern Europe makes the season short. I think it is a big achievement to be able to keep skiing and competing at the highest level in the sport and at the same time taking a education. From January 2011 I’m both a pro skier and also a physiotherapist. Who or what are your inspirations? Ray Stokes is the one inspiring me the most. Also watching June Fladborg making her way to the very top really has been a big inspiration since I was a kid. What affect does your career as a pro women jumper have on your personal life? Spending a lot of time traveling makes it hard to be in a relationship with a non-skier. I’d love to spend more time with him and feel sad about taking off so often. When it’s possible he’ll come visit me when I’m gone for months. Also I don’t get to see my friends and family much. After the last tournament I really feel how much I miss everybody and try to catch up in the off season. Any words of wisdom to share with up and coming jumpers? Especially girls? Keep pushing the limits, but make sure your technique is proper before you take it to the next level. Where would you like GTF to be in 5 years? I hope we will succeed promoting GTF to a level where also the world outside of skiing know who we are. Getting more attention will hopefully inspire more girls to start jumping, give us more time in the media and get more sponsors so we can keep growing. Why should everyone read this buy a GTF calendar? Because it is exciting to see the girls behind the helmets. You never get to see the strong athletic bodies hiding under the not so flattering jumpsuit . Waterskiing isn’t a big sport and the only motivation is the adrenaline kick and the love of the sport. All of us girls are following and living our dream let that inspire you every day every month. Get in touch with Maj by following her on her facebook page http://www.facebook.com/majlundjepsen or on her personal site, www.majjepsen.dk Photo Credits: Das Buro VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMuMBH-YHdk
Last Updated on Monday, 05 March 2012 10:08

February GTF Girl of the Month: Marion Mathieu

Written by KRISTA ROGERS
Thursday, 02 February 2012 18:41
Tweet Hometown: Mont de Marsan, France Sponsors: Fusch Labo, Camaro wetsuit, FFSN Current Location: Orlando, Florida I am currently working for AM Skis, I am doing their Marketing. AM Skis is a new independent company formed by Andy Mapple and Adam Cord in Orlando FL. A factory and headquarters based in Orlando to test and develop high end skis. AM Skis will launch to the public in late April this year, with new designs, technology and full testing facilities. Stay tuned for our new website coming soon. www.amskis.com How did you get into skiing? My parents had a boat on a public lake, they were skiing for fun. At the age of 3 my mum put me on her skis but I started to be too heavy so I had to go ski on my own. It is how I started… When did you decide to commit yourself to the skiing and take it seriously? I think I always took it seriously since my first tournament. I was 7 on my first one, I was so stressed that my body was covered of eczema… My dad did not want me to it because of that but I was crying so he let me ski and I did well. Do you consider yourself to be an adrenaline junkie? I think that all athletes are adrenaline junkies that why it is so hard to quit… Can you give us a rundown of your average day during the season? I am doing generally 3 sets a day. I like to ski mornings. It makes you feel good. I ski once or twice, go to work and ski again in the afternoon. What’s your favorite lake to fly at? Fluid ski and sport. 2 ramps we can jump every single day!!! How do you prepare for a big competition? Pretty simple. I train like every day, eat, watch a movie and go to bed… Do you still get nervous before a big tournament? Of course, I think that how you get your motivation to go out there… What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes? What is your relationship with the other GTF? I think we have a lot of fun… GTF made us more united. I really feel that I am part of a group and love that idea. We are trying to build something together and for once it’s not only on the skis! Any funny or most embarrassing stories you care to share? Heuu ok after each shower I dry myself with a hair dryer instead of a towel like everybody else… I know I am weird. Do you think the jump suit will ever evolve to be figure flattering? I have a Camaro wetsuit. I think this suit is perfect to jump because the suit is really close from your body. However GTF has some thoughts about doing their own jump suits… You better watch out! What have been your biggest career setbacks? I did not really have setbacks in my career. I had some up and down like everybody I guess but I never thought about quitting. I don’t think it’s possible for me to stop skiing I would be too depressed and bored… In your opinion what have your greatest achievements been so far? I would say my 2 bronze overall medals at the worlds in 2009 Canada and 2011 Russia. Who or what are your inspirations? My parents. They gave me everything they could for me to be happy. They are always there for me. They are the best in the bad moments… What affect does your career as a pro women jumper have on your personal life? My career is my life I am hanging out with pro waterskiers all the times so I guess it does not affect my personal life. The only think that I miss is my family and friends from home. Because of that sport, I had to come in the US to train and become better so I am missing a lot of things at home that my only regrets.
Last Updated on Friday, 03 February 2012 19:45
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January GTF Girl of the Month: Alex Lauretano

Written by Krista Rogers

Sunday, 01 January 2012 19:04

Hometown: Morris, Connecticut

Sponsors: MasterCraft, D3 Skis, Girls4Sport, Militia Clothing, Girls That Fly

Current Location: Windermere FL

How did you get into skiing?

I grew up on a lake skiing with my parents, 2 brothers and sister.

When did you decide to commit yourself to the skiing and take it seriously?

When I was 16 I picked up and moved to Florida by myself. I have very supportive parents to say the least! My whole life I was a competitive gymnast and snow ski racer so it was a hard decision but I knew I couldn’t keep skiing for only 3 months a year if I wanted to get to a higher level.

Do you consider yourself to be an adrenaline junkie?

Hmm yeah, I guess you kind of have to be in order to be a jumper.

Can you give us a rundown of your average day during the season?

Typically Ill wake up, drive over to Freddy and Karen’s and spend the mornings there. The three of us ski, then I’ll hang out with Karen and Dash because between me and her, Freddy is usually always in the garage fixing our equipment! I don’t work out too much during the season but I like to either take another set in the evening or run or do yoga when there’s time and energy.

What’s your favorite lake to fly at?

The Pond in Connecticut.

What has been your most memorable moment so far?

I won the collegiate nationals after a crash where I fractured my wrist, dislocated my shoulder and gashed my head with my ski.

How do you prepare for a big competition?

I have a tendency to over train before tournaments so I just try not to wear myself out. I’ve learned my body cannot handle 5 sets a day anymore!!

Do you still get nervous before a big tournament?

For sure! Who doesn’t? I just tell myself I’ve done this a hundred times.

What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes? What is your relationship with the other GTF?

It’s great, we love each other…. Ok, maybe not on the dock but most of the time.

Any funny or most embarrassing stories you care to share?

Hmm… Last year I sleep walked through my friend’s house wearing only underwear and carrying a lamp. I’ll never live that down!

Do you think the jump suit will ever evolve to be figure flattering?

I’m designing a women’s jump suit right now with Dolphin Wetsuits, so I’m working on it ladies!

What are your suitcase essentials when you’re on the road?

I travel all the time and I still never bring the right things. But I couldn’t go without music, a book, extra food (especially when we go to Asia), and something to go out in for the last night. But we all share if someone forgets something, GTF’s are nice.

What have been your biggest career setbacks?

My crash at the 2011 Masters: I tore a ligament and got a bone bruise between my foot and ankle. It is still really painful and makes it hard to train and my performances have really suffered. I can’t wait to rest it and start fresh next season.

johnmommerphotography.com militiaclothing.com

In your opinion what have your greatest achievements been so far?

4th overall at the 2011 Worlds, winning the University Worlds, setting the collegiate jump and trick records, Open women slalom, trick, jump and overall national champion, 2nd overall at the US Open 2007

Who or what are your inspirations?

Athletes, musicians, artists—anyone who is successful and loves what they do

What affect does your career as a pro women jumper have on your personal life?

Well it’s not a problem in my eyes but I feel pretty bad for Adam. He has to deal with my skiing and me and that’s not always easy, haha.

How do you relax when you get the chance?

Playing Halo with Adam, hanging out with Rocco and drinking wine.

Any words of wisdom to share with up and coming jumpers? Especially girls?

Bring it down!

Where would you like GTF to be in 5 years?

On TV and with sponsors outside of the industry. Hopefully I will still be a GTF at that time.

What’s up next for you?

Resting, then the University Worlds in January

Why should everyone read this buy a GTF calendar?

It’s hot!

Last Updated on Friday, 20 January 2012 21:47

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