Kris Freeman
Last season Kris followed up his 15th place at the 2002 Olympic pursuit race with Gold at the 2003 U-23 Worlds in the 30-km classic race, and a phenomenal week at the 2003 Nordic World Ski Championship – a 4th in the 15-km classic (2.1 seconds from Bronze), 1st in the opening leg of the 4 x 10 km Relay and 14th in the double Pursuit.
A recent 24 seconds improvement in the Ski Team’s last 10 km running time-trial at Soldier Hollow and a clear win in a skate time-trial several weeks ago shows that Kris is on track towards a new exciting season.
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“We can compete with the best. Young skiers like me are not hindered by old school technique. We can adapt and develop faster”.</p>
<p><B>Can you elaborate on old and new school technique – is someone like Norwegian Odd Bjorn Hjelmset what you call old school?</B><br />
Yes, he is a great skier but skis very differently that for example Axel Teichman and me. We are intentionally skiing more upright, using higher tempo, shorter and faster motions. We are getting the central abdominal muscles more involved. I think it’s more efficient, at least for me. I’m getting good use of core strength and thinks that more skiers will adapt to this in the future”.</p>
<p><B>What are you working on in the skate technique?</B><br />
“Involving my abs, high tempo. I like the way the biathlete Bjorndahlen is skiing the V1 technique. You can learn something from his technique”.</p>
<p><B>It looks like having a good finish-sprint is becoming more and more important with the added number of mass-start races and the double pursuit. Many skiers seem to be able to hang on to the end. Have you worked on improving your top speed and finish-sprint?</B><br />
“Yes, I have added 10 x 10 second sprints to my distance workouts all the way since May. Up to 2-3 times per week. I’m also thinking about it mentally and playing mental games. You need to believe that you can win”.</p>
<p><B>Could you have finished better in last year’s double pursuit at the World Ski Championship?</B><br />
“I hate to admit it but I believe a medal could have been possible if I had had more experience. I was a little surprised being where I was (among the leaders) at the end. I’m working on that”.</p>
<p><B>What about this season’s World Cup?</B><br />
“I don’t think any single skier will dominate. I think I’m among many skiers that possibly can win races. The 15-km is my best distance. I also like the double pursuit (15+15 km). I’m not planning on doing the sprint races unless I’m already at the site and I feel it’s the right thing to do”</p>
<p><I>Fasterskier.com staff wish Kris Freeman good luck, and look forward to an exiting World Cup season.</I></p>
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