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SLC 2002 > ATHLETES' CHALET > JANICA > BACKGROUND INTERVIEWS

BACKGROUND INTERVIEWS

Janica confides before the 2002 Olympic games.

She talks openly about her career, injuries and ambitions for the XIX Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

UPCLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH JANICA

Before the Games, Janica Kostelic was interviewed. She recalls her beginnings and explains why she started skiing. She also reviews the highlights of her career and the important role that her family has played in her success.Becoming a professional skier
Janica's favorite athlete and more...
Janicas's objectives for Salt Lake 2002

JANICA AND OLYMPIC SOLIDARITY

You were awarded an Olympic scholarship at the age of 13. What did that award do for you and how did the scholarship impact on your life ?

J.K. : It was a big thing for me and for my family. We had little support and when we got the scholarship we could have a normal training. It also allowed us to train with other countries, other teams. It counted a lot at that time.

And do you think it is an important role for the IOC to fulfil?

J.K. : Yes, I think it is a very important role for the IOC. It is hard to progress when you are from a small country because it is hard to get money for sports, no one understands you, no one thinks that you can do something and no one wants to risk investing in you. The scholarships are therefore a good thing.

Olympic Solidarity has many programmes in favour of athletes, coaches and NOC management and special fields. What are your views on these various programmes implemented by Olympic Solidarity and the IOC?

J.K. : Olympic Solidarity has helped athletes who do not have the possibility to train because they are from poor countries, and it has given them money for their training. Afterwards, they improve and are then able to find sponsors.

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OLYMPIC SOLIDARITY

Solidarité OlympiqueOlympic Solidarity allocates scholarships to help athletes with financial difficulties to train and ultimately qualify for the Olympic Games.