Former World Cup athlete and Olympian
Andi was one of Germany’s top ski jumpers. He has several World Cup podium finishes, and he competed for Germany in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. Since retiring from athletic competition, Andi has coached with the German Junior National Ski Jump and Nordic Combined programs.
He draws from knowledge and studies in sports sciences, coaching, and sport-specific training in Nordic skiing.
About his role with Sea to Sky Nordics
Andi’s top priority is to create and coach a Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined program, starting with Sea to Sky Nordics, but expanding to build a National program based in the region. This program will be based out of Whistler Olympic Park and our year-round training location, John Heilig Legacy Sports Park in Squamish.
The word is getting out and we already have 10 athletes from other provinces committed to join our first Christmas Nordic combined/jumping camp, December 28-31.
Day-to-day this season (and next), you’ll see Andi helping out across all our Nordic disciplines from developing and implementing integrated training programs and plans across all levels with an emphasis on skill progression, participation, and enjoyment for all ages. You’ll also see him out on snow coaching, supporting volunteer development, as well as working for Whistler Olympic Park.
We’re so thankful for the Nordic Combined Canada NSO grant that has allowed us to bring top talent to the region. Many, many people helped with the search for Andi.
Ski jump and nordic combined board representative Rick Smith put in countless hours, though he’s quick to hail the work of many others. In particular, he calls out “… the work that Jim Woolsey has done to advocate for, and ultimately secure the grant, from Nordic Combined Ski Canada. This was a challenging task to bring to completion, and one that will benefit many Nordic athletes in BC, and ultimately we hope, from across Canada!”
Read the Ski Jump Canada press release.
But who is Andi, really?
We had a chance to catch up with Andi while he’s been settling in at his new home in Squamish with his wife, Alina, a secondary school teacher, and their two dogs. His English is exceptional and he’s practically a Canadian already… not only has he been Nordic skiing forever, but we noticed on his CV he’s got some knowledge of hockey and curling too…
Here’s what we asked him:
What are your proudest moments, sporting and otherwise?
My proudest moments in life are my wedding with my wife and moving here to Canada. In a sporting sense, I am very proud that I always gave my all, whether it was enough or not. And that I was part of such an outstanding team.
Why did you want to come to Canada?
I have been here a few times and developed the dream of getting old in this nice country. I love the outstanding nature, and when I saw the opportunities for this sport here, I wanted to contribute to the development of the sport in Canada.
Why Sea to Sky Nordics?
Sea to Sky Nordics includes the beautiful jumps in Whistler Olympic Park and Squamish, which now represents my new home base.
What are you looking forward to most? (on and off skis)
I am looking forward to meeting many more such nice people as has already happened so far. I want to integrate myself here and give it my all. I would be very happy to further develop the jumps so that training during all seasons is possible. In addition, I want to pool all resources with the other disciplines and collaborate with them to gain and further develop even more talent.
Skate or classic? Or jump?
Skate. [Editors note: Jay Burbee paid him to say this…]
What’s your best moves on skis?
Maybe a 360.
Best “apres” ski food? Or XC snack?
I think a pretzel is one of the classics. But I’m happy to be shown Canadian snacks and like to try them.
What do you do when you’re not on skis?
I love doing things with my family, dogs or friends. I like to think about certain things in sports – planning, and organization, and what could still be improved. I also enjoy listening to music and like being graphically creative.
On your CV it says one of your skills is “sewing suits.” Sounds like the jumpers may benefit from some custom handiwork… True or false?
Yes, I can sew jumping suits on my own. That will be one part of my work – helping out with some suits whenever it’s needed.
Be sure to say hello to Andi and give him a warm West Coast welcome when you see him!!