The region of Berchtesgadener Land seems to be a good breeding ground for sporting success. Take Kathrin Hölzl, for example, reigning World Champion in Giant Slalom, who also comes from this idyllic corner of Bavaria. The young lady actually comes from Bischofswiesen, to be more precise, and lives in the midst of her family and the breathtaking mountains.

Watzmann building Katy's backdrop, foto: Fischer

All eyes on Watzmann

If you look out of Katy's living room window the first thing that grabs your eye is the mighty Watzmann, his wife and children. And who is this "Watzmann"? A mountain of fate, an incredibly mighty and magnetic massif, forming the backdrop of the beautiful district of Bischofswiesen. "But I've never been to the top, unfortunately," admits Katy. Not, as you may be thinking, because she doesn't like mountains from the top. On the contrary. Together with her boyfriend Franz she enjoys mountain bike tours in her rare moments of free time. And then, with the pressure off but the fun factor certainly on, it's off to the mountains with their magnificent pastures and inviting huts. "I really enjoy being outdoors, I love everything to do with nature and I just feel absolutely brilliant in situations like that. Mountain biking in my free time is great fun and once we get to the hut we normally treat ourselves to a good mountain snack," says the athlete. As a Bavarian girl Katy is of course also entitled to reward herself with a "mountain shandy" - especially with beer being considered to be part of the traditional Bavarian staple diet!

Haunt on the terrasse, foto: Fischer

When autumn comes, however, with its typical cold and rainy days, the 26-year-old is often pleased about the bad weather. She simply goes back to her cosy retreat to snuggle up under a blanket on her couch. "I don't even have to have a bad conscience. After all, whenever the weather is fine, there's no keeping me in my flat."

DIY in her own four walls

Kathrin Hölzl is happiest when her loved ones are not far away and this is where she would most like to settle. Her home, in which she has lived since she was 18, is not only in the middle of the mountains. Her brother's family also lives in the same house that her father and brother bought and then renovated. Katy also lent a helping hand with the renovation work and enjoys painting and decorating. Having said that, it is Sebastian who brightens up the shared living situation. The two of them even venture out into the garden from time to time to play some football. And the young boy is actually quite good. "He's a talented young sportsman. Nobody forces him to do anything, he can just do it," says Katy, proud of her eldest nephew who also trains in the age group team of Red Bull Salzburg.

The way to a man's and woman's heart…

Mother Brigitte, who enjoys inviting people round for lunch, and her house are also only a stone's throw away. Katy likes to cook traditional local dishes herself as well, but her full diary means that she seldom has the time to do so. Franz is no stranger to the kitchen either.

Mother Brigitte helps with autographs, foto: Fischer

"He's a brilliant cook and I love it when he spoils me with his meals," says Katy, who seems to have won the jackpot with her boyfriend. However, there are times when Franz needs some help with his experiments in the kitchen and consults a true professional for advice. "He does sometimes phone up celebrity chef Alfons Schuhbeck for a few tips!"

Special sessions at the Olympic Training Centre

When it comes to training there is another man in the top athlete's life who calls the tune. Group trainer Christian Schwaiger is a regular visitor to the Olympic Training Centre in Berchtesgaden to support his young protégé. This was previously the job of Kathrin's father who is sadly no longer with us. As a skiing instructor and trainer himself he was the one who taught his daughter how to ski on the nearby Götschen mountain. This is also the place where he set up a ski school that he left to Katy.

Running a ski school in future?

This means that Katy would also have a job to go to after her skiing career. Or perhaps she will want to have nothing at all to do with skiing when she retires from competition? "I can't say at the moment. I don't think about it too much. I am a person who loves winter. But as far as having to be patient is concerned, that's a different matter…" Perhaps that will come with time and Katy will enjoy helping young skiers to make progress. After all, progress is something she is very familiar with.

FISCHER pess release
www.fischersports.com
Tuesday 26 October 2010