In the second part of the interview, snowboard star Ramona Hofmeister talks about her career, the importance of her home in Bischofswiesen and her trademark, the leopard scarf.
Bischofswiesen - With six World Cup victories, two mixed wins and two podiums, Ramona Hofmeister was the second German athlete after Amelie Kober in 2009 to win the overall World Cup in alpine snowboarding in the past World Cup season and became the most successful German winter sportswoman of the 2019/20 season.
In the second part of the interview with BGland24.de , the 24-year-old from Bischofswiesen talks about her beginnings in snowboarding, the "Snowboard Competence Center Bischofswiesen", her concern for the environment and how an ordinary internet order became her own collection.
Ms. Hofmeister, how did you get into snowboarding?
Hofmeister: In my home town of Bischofswiesen, winter sports are simply part of it. My two big sisters went snowboarding, so I wanted to try it out. I started snowboarding when I was four years old, was enthusiastic from the first moment and did a good job. Then I drove my first children's races and quickly realized that I was enthusiastic about this sport.
Was skiing never an issue?
Hofmeister: I was also on skis, but snowboarding was just more fun for me. And I have to admit that I am a bad skier. (laughs)
German snowboarders collect rubbish on the Jenner
To the photo gallery
When did you realize that sport is more than just a hobby for you?
Hofmeister: The focus was always on fun and passion for sport, the rest more or less resulted from itself. I have been with WSV Bischofswiesen since I was a child, we had a large group of many snowboard-loving children there. I was talented, trained diligently and continued to improve over the years. When I was about 14 or 15 years old, I saw in national and international competitions that I was competitive. Then I qualified for the World Cup, stood on the podium for the first time in Winterberg in 2016 and also had the opportunity to combine my sport with training with the Bavarian police. And so my hobby became my current job.
Melanie Hochreiter, Carolin Langenhorst and you come from Bischofswiesen, start for the WSV Bischofswiesen, are all born in 1996 and today are an important part of the German national team. Did school friends become teammates?
Hofmeister: (laughs) We even went to kindergarten together. Melanie, Carolin and I went our way together from the beginning. For all of us, this was not only great fun characterized by friendship and cohesion, but also a great asset in terms of sport.
Is it difficult to compete against your friends?
Hofmeister: On the contrary. I even enjoy driving against my teammates because I can judge my opponent well and know what to expect. We are all active as individual athletes, that is part of our sport and also everyone is aware of it. The most important thing is that we are basically a sworn bunch. And when one is faster than the other, you give it a treat.
"The association has given us the opportunity to advance to the top of the world"
What makes the Bischofswiesen snowboard location so special?
Hofmeister: We are a community in which winter sports play a major role. The possibilities here are perfect. When I started snowboarding as a child, we were up to 30 children who snowboarded. And then there are the many other sports that are offered at the WSV and other clubs in the Berchtesgaden district. In addition to the regional component, club culture plays a major role at the WSV. Whether parents, friends or the numerous volunteers: The association lives from its members and has given us the opportunity to advance to the top of the world.
How is a professional career financed in a marginal sport like snowboarding?
Hofmeister: My parents supported me at a young age, snowboarding is an expensive sport, especially in the material area. In 2013 I was given the opportunity to train with the Bavarian police. I am still with the police, which is a very important fixed point for me. Until recently, I did an internship at the Traunstein office, which was a lot of fun for me. In addition, I am supported by Deutsche Sporthilfe and have partners at my side who support me superbly. Even in difficult times like today, I am very grateful for that.
You always take part in your races with a scarf in leopard pattern. What's it all about?
Hofmeister: I just ordered it online and used it as a lucky charm in races. After my first World Cup podium in Winterberg in 2016, I increasingly came into focus and was often asked about the scarf. It then developed into a real trademark over time and is now part of it. I don't want to drive without it anymore.
So can we still see you driving the scarf off the internet today?
Hofmeister: (laughs) No, of course not. I changed it often and, of course, also washed it regularly. In the meantime I even have my own collection. Together with my partner HEAD (sporting goods manufacturer) we released the leopard scarf as a collection, with my signature sewn into the fabric. That makes me very proud.
The leopard scarf is the trademark of Ramona Hofmeister.
© picture alliance / Angelika Warmuth / dpa
What do a leopard and Ramona Hofmeister have in common?
Hofmeister: We both like to pull out our claws when it gets serious in competition (laughs). In addition, we like to be on the go, like to take risks and focus. I think I chose the right animal as my trademark.
Is the mental component your greatest strength?
Hofmeister: Yes, it was like this at a young age. I'm actually never nervous at the start and don't put any pressure on me. Then my nature suits me. I also work with the sports psychologist from our team, where I can get further tips and advice.
How do you pass the time away from sports?
Hofmeister: I am very versatile. I like to go downhill biking and motocross when health permits. In order to really be able to switch off, I like to bake and play the piano. It's a pretty good mix that I can use to distract myself.
Sounds like you're a curious guy?
Hofmeister: That definitely applies to me and I find it extremely important.
Also read: Ramona Hofmeister: "It is brutally difficult for us athletes"
What role does your home play in this?
Hofmeister: An extremely important one. We are out and about a lot during the season, so I enjoy the time I can spend at home all the more. I really like to live in Bischofswiesen and enjoy just looking at the Watzmann. In my free time I spend a lot of time in nature in and around Bischofswiesen, it is simply part of my life.
On May 28th you participated in the garbage collection event organized by Snowboard Germany on the Jenner. What did you want to set an example with?
Hofmeister: I was enthusiastic about the campaign right from the start and was there straight away. Even though we had imagined the weather to be different, it was great that we could do something good for the environment and nature on our doorstep.
Also read: What does a car tire do in the forest? Snowboard stars collect rubbish on the Jenner
How do you experience climate change?
Hofmeister: It is terrifying to see how quickly some glaciers have declined in recent years. We come to many winter sports areas and see the changes very clearly. That makes me very thoughtful.
Ms. Hofmeister, thank you for the interview
Source: BGland24.de
* BGland24.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network
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