Q&A with Olympian Robel Teklemariam
Club Med is proud to sponsor our very own GO, Robel Teklemariam for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Robel is currently qualifying for the men’s cross country skiing event and is very excited about the possibility of representing Ethiopia at the Winter Games. Please join us in cheering him on in his Olympic bid!
1. You have a history with Club Med; tell us a little about your experience.
I first started working for Club Med on a recommendation from a friend. When he showed me the GO video from that winter (1997) in Copper, I was hooked. I’ve worked for Club Med now for 14 seasons. 11 of those have been at winter villages, though recently I started working during the summer as well. I am working on becoming a Chief of Service because I really believe in the program and hope to have a bright future with Club Med.
2. It takes a lot of passion and dedication to become an Olympian. What is the source of your passion for skiing.
My passion for skiing came from the first time I got on snow. I mean all types of skiing. I got more and more focused on racing in high school. I had to choose one type of skiing to focus on I realized that I really enjoyed racing.
3. Most athletes’ main goal in their career is to make the Olympic team. You, on the other hand, had a bigger obstacle creating a team from scratch. Tell us a little bit about that experience.
It was a major learning curve. Before that I had just raced. I had never even had to think about what goes on outside of the racecourse. So I had to really do my research and homework. It was tough but I knew in the end it would all be worth it.
4. As a Club Med ski instructor, is there anything from your experience with us that you take with you today?
To be able to adapt to a situation as it arises and try to make the best decision you can. When teaching skiing sometimes you get surprises. You have the responsibility of your students in a terrain that sometimes is great to ski on but it also is an area where there are consequences if you make a mistake.
5. Tell us what your training is like on the road to the Olympics.
It has been a little tough this time because I couldn’t get on snow until very late. Also, due to safety issues I could not roller ski in Ethiopia. Aside from that though I have a better focus on what I have to do in order to do better than last time.
6. Before a race, do you have any rituals or superstitions you do before you start?
Normally the morning of a race I like to eat a banana. I do not know how or when it started but I can remember it as far back as 15 years ago.
7. In 2006, you were chosen to carry the Ethiopian flag in the opening ceremonies; tell us what that experience was like for you.
Honestly it was surreal. It took me several months before it hit me. There is no greater honor in sports.
8. Do you have a favorite place you like to go skiing? Where and why?
I love skiing in Spring Gulch, Colorado. It’s where I used to train in high school. I have great memories from there, as well as the wildlife all around you while you ski. The scenery is also amazing.
9. What is the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Walking in the Olympic Stadium in Torino. Hands down.
10. In 2006, you claimed that you had no chance of winning medals in the Alpine and Cross Country skiing you had entered saying, “I'm a realist. My goals are for further down the road. I want this Olympics to open my eyes and hopefully the eyes of other Ethiopians.” With that being said, do you think this year is the year for you?
I don’t think I have a shot at winning it. I still race knowing that I might have a one percent chance and I will take it. My main goal is to improve on my results from the last Olympics in terms of percentage back from the winner.
To read more about Robel and his journey to the Olympics, keep a look out for his personal posts on Club Med Insider here.
0 Comments