Danielle Scott promoting aerials in Australia
It is no surprise that Australia‘s Freestyle skier Danielle Scott will cheer for the Australian gymnastics team during the London Olympics. Never having skied before, she began Aerials after she retired from her gymnastics , which she started at the age of three. Embracing the idea of a new challenge, she soon set her sights on representing Australia at the Olympic Winter Games. In her first year on the FIS World Cup in 2011/2012, the 22-year-old young gun won the “Freestyle Skiing Rookie of the Year” title, which awards the best, newest competitor of a season and is elected by all the aerial coaches.
As part of the „Summer Time for Winter Athletes“ series, FIS Newsflash interviewed Danielle about her time off competition season.
FIS Newsflash: Freestyle Skiing and aerials are one of the less known disciplines. How is the sport seen in Australia?
Danielle: “Aerials in Australia is unfortunately not recognised as highly as some of the summer sports, especially as it is summer during the winter competition season. There is always great Australian spirit and positive media representation when the sport makes it on to the TV, but most people don't know much about it as it is always performed in other countries. I am therefore on a mission to promote my sport at home, as well as the success of our previous athletes.
FIS Newsflash: In your off season training, what kind of work outs do you prefer and what is the best/worst about training?
Danielle: “I love anything outdoors and in the sun! From surfing to rock climbing, I can never get enough of the summer outdoors. The best would be not having to wear so many layers of clothing to training - I don't think I could name a worst thing!“
FIS Newsflash: If, during training, some musician in your Ipod could come to life, who would it be?
Danielle: “ACDC... who wouldn't love rocking out to a great Australian band!“
FIS Newsflash: If you could go for a swim anywhere in the world this summer, where would it be?
Danielle: “It would have to be a nice relaxing swim or float in the Dead Sea.“
FIS Newsflash: You have been named „Rookie of the Year“ in last season’s World Cup which was a successful start. What is your vision for next season?
Danielle: “My vision for next season is to up my degree of difficulty in my jumps from last season and to make a super final in aerial skiing.“