“... simply enjoy”

The 2005/2006 Alpine Ski World Cup season was the last in Daron Rahlves’ brilliant career. In part one of the interview, he explains what he’s been doing since his final race - his farewell performance was winning the US Super-G championship title on 26 March - and why he won’t be turning his back on competitive skiing.

What are you up to right now?

All sorts of different things. For example, last week I took part in a motocross race in Washington State. It was great fun - even though I was involved in a crash.

And you’re OK?

Yes, at least I’m doing better than my bike.

Was this a one-off foray into the MX scene?

No, definitely not. It’s much too much fun for that.

It doesn’t sound as though you’re bored.

No way. When I’m not water skiing or wakeboarding I’m off doing something with my friends.

Apart from water skiing - have you strapped on your skis at all since 26 March?

The last time was in mid-June. Skiing is my life. I can’t wait for the coming winter, because I’ve already found myself a new challenge: I’ll probably join the Pro Tour.

Not a total retreat from ski sport after all.

I can’t help it - I need to compete. I constantly have to measure myself against others: it’s always been that way, and it won’t ever change. It’s just the way I am. I’m also taking part in a film about freeskiing - I’m particularly looking forward to that.

If you can’t live without competitive skiing, why did you retire from the World Cup?

I’m the kind of person, who wants to be a contender for victory in every race, and that means working hard on myself. The best possible preparation is a prerequisite for success in the World Cup. A World Cup season isn’t just fun and games - quite the opposite: it’s a really tough job. I just wasn’t prepared to submit to the stress and strain any longer: being on the road all the time, competing in countless races and training day in, day out.

Too much hard work, not enough fun?

One might say that, exaggerating a bit. Training hard means one isn’t fully motivated every single day, and that doesn’t make it any easier. Plus, one’s own expectations grow with all the hard work, and if they’re not fulfilled, there’s a real feeling of frustration.

So your new life is more fun ...

Definitely.

What’s the difference between the Pro Tour and the Alpine Ski World Cup?

It’s all a bit more relaxed. One still has to prepare and train, but not quite to the same degree. After all, the World Cup is serious business. The people, who come to watch the Pro Tour races want to see a good show - and that’s what they get. Naturally the relatively high prize money is also a pleasant side-effect. I’ve traveled all over the world with the World Cup circus - the Pro Tour, on the other hand, is happening right outside my front door.

If I had any say in the US Ski Association I’d do my utmost to involve an experienced athlete like you. Has this happened at all?

Yes, I’m going to be something like a mentor for the up-and-coming next generation. It will be a completely new experience for me, and I’m really looking forward to it. I will be observing closely how we work with our young athletes and hope I’ll be able to make a contribution towards further progress.