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Six quick questions to… the youngest athlete in Sochi

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14/02/2014

Gianina Ernst from Germany has made history twice in Sochi by becoming the youngest athlete to compete in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games whilst participating in the Olympic debut of women’s ski jumping. She met the minimum age requirement for the Olympic Winter Games by a matter of hours by being born on 31 December 1998. Olympic.org caught up with the 15-year-old ski jumper at the Olympic Medals Plaza after she watched the top-ranking competitors collect their medals.

Are you enjoying the Games?Yes, very much. It is absolutely fantastic here.

What has been your highlight outside the competition venue so far?It has been great to come down from the mountains tonight and experience the atmosphere in the coastal cluster, which is very cool. It is fun to pass by the big stadia, enjoy the Olympic Park and the great atmosphere.

What does it mean to you to have been competing here in Sochi?Just by participating here I have already accomplished a big objective. A dream came true.

We have checked the statistics and you are the youngest participant competing here in Sochi. Is this a funny feeling?Honestly speaking, I do not really feel that I am the youngest as everybody is treating me the same as the other athletes, which is good.

How is it to be part of the Olympic “first” of women’s ski jumping?It is very special. It is just cool that I’ve been qualified. I am really enjoying it.

How did you get into ski jumping?My father was a ski jumper and motivated me to take up the sport.

What are your plans for PyeongChang 2018?For now, I am just concentrating on the coming years.  Then we will see.