Viktor has been able to win the Czech nationals both in slalom and overall. In junior categories he represented the Czech Republic and skiing in the finals was an everyday endeavor for him. National “A” team´s strength would prevent him from starting in the elite category Open and so he spent some time on the cable.
This year, however, might bring a big breakthrough. Just the power of the team, as the trio of overseas accomplished skiers Daniel Odvarko, Martin Kolman and Adam Sedlmajer can attend the Championship based on their individual nominations and so create space for other six skiers, can present a chance for Viktor Meisner to have a set at the Championship.
Undoubtedly the strongest event for Viktor is tricks which could present the possibility to make the finals, provided he skies well. His personal best is the performance of 7060 points and Viktor knows he would need to add at least 1000 points to this in order to have a shot at making the top twelve at the Open European Championship that is held in Melice, Czech Republic for the very first time.
Do you see possible participation in the first Open Europeans at home as a top event of this season?Certainly. I think it can be observed already now. Practically at every meeting of waterskiers from the Czech Republic this topic surfaces. Open Europeans tends to be the hallmark of each season but when it is at home, motivation and concentration of all efforts is even bigger and stronger.
Are your supporters and friends coming to the event?
It is not yet at all sure, if I make it to the Europeans as a skier this year but if that is the case, I will certainly invite them. I am sure some of them will come.
How was your Winter physical preparation?
Having on mind the reality that this season might be the last of my more active seasons, I decided to invest to the Winter preparatory period much more than in the preceding years and really prepare responsibly.
Apart from cycling and running I worked out at home, mainly strengthening my abs and hands. These muscles are indispensable for a waterskier. When I hit the water subsequently and in the first set stood up all six flips that I had learned over my career, I was really joyful about the exerted effort over the winter preparatory period.
When did you start skiing this season?
I think it must have been sometime in the beginning of April, about two days after our coach came. Due to a warm Winter the water was surprisingly pleasant which is not usual these days so I could start trying new tricks without needing to be frightened of falling because of cold water.
What are your target performances for this year?
Personally I would like to dedicate myself mainly to tricks because the longer I ski the more I realize that if I am to succeed somewhere, it is tricks. Still a couple of tricks need some brush up and make my trick runs well rehearsed – a lot of work obviously but if I were to surpass the 8000-point mark, I would be happy. Ideally at the Europeans.
How do you rate the chances of the Czech team?
As we know, anything can happen in sport but with regard to chances, I think they are not little. But it is necessary to work at the Europeans as a team and run our “own race” with the premise that us Czechs want to show what we are worth regardless of the other countries’ skiers.
How do you see your chances to make the team for the Open Europeans and succeed here respectively?
We will see. My plan is to attempt making everything to get ready well for the qualification competitions, ski my best there and the question of being chosen for the Europeans is no longer in my hands. If I were to make the team and ski in Melice, I would be of the same conviction. Not thinking about what could happen and how much I have to score. Solely posting the best possible performance, concentrating only on myself. And whether two stood up passes will make the cut is not in my hands to influence.
What would you like us to say to the fans, spectators and public who are planning on attending the Europeans?
First and foremost, I would like to thank them. Our sport is indeed tiny and I think that the skiers base shrinks continuously, despite the fact that the majority of clubs realizes this phenomenon and invests heavily into bringing up a new generation. Even a bigger thanks is appropriate to those who will spend their day with us at the Europeans instead of venturing into a mall or cinema. Waterski is a great sport and spectators will certainly not be disappointed.
