Germany’s Kreiter hoping to stay injury free

Germany’s Georg Kreiter is looking to build on five podiums finishes at two Para alpine skiing World Cups as he looks to defend world titles in men’s super combined and giant slalom sitting from Sunday (22 January).

During last season Kreiter changed his mono-ski and has had many problems getting used to it. But after the World Cup in St. Moritz, Switzerland, where the German achieved four top three finishes, he was in a positive mood: “I am very happy with my podiums in St. Moritz although I could not win there. I think it will not be easy to keep these results coming for the rest of the season, but I will give my best.”

“The Paralympic Games are the top event for all disabled athletes. I think every participant dreams of a Paralympic medal.”

Kreiter went on to finish third in super combined in Innerkrems, Austria.

Since March 2006, when Kreiter tried sit-skiing for the first time, he has only looked forward to continuing to build on his success and aiming big.

His hopes for the 2017 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships in Tarvisio, Italy, are simply to stay healthy without any injuries: “I’ve had to improve my skiing in different snow conditions so I can be competitive at any course,” he said.

Italy will be the last major competition ahead of the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

It is not just personal progress Kreiter is looking for in the coming weeks, but also fulfilling the ambitions of the German national team. “We hope we can be as successful as last year, and can continue this success also with our younger generations.”

Kreiter is looking forward to the PyeongChang 2018 Test Event in March as his thoughts turn to the next Paralympic Winter Games.

“The Paralympic Games are the top event for all disabled athletes. I think every participant dreams of a Paralympic medal. I had that dream in Sochi and I still have it for the next Games.” He is continually inspired by “the fun I have with skiing and also the competition with other athletes.”

The mixture of speed and freedom skiing has transformed Kreiter into one of the world’s best sit-skiers. However, he admits that this was not always the case: “Before my accident in 2002 my skiing was not very good, but I like doing sports with my friends and family, and skiing is one of the best open-air activities you can do together.”

Kreiter said he prefers to focus on the things he enjoys. Whether he is on the slopes or relaxing at home playing the piano, the German is driven to progressing, delivering results and above all having fun.

The Tarvisio 2017 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships, taking place between 22-31 January, will feature 130 of the world’s best skiers from 25 countries.

All races will be livestreamed and live results will be available at World Para Alpine Skiing’s website.