“I hope we’ll dance!”

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She has been the best Swiss slalom skier for ten years. She collects medals at major events like other stamps. And she turns 30 on Friday: Wendy Holdener. The Schwyzerin talks about the upcoming party, reports on her diving holidays in the Maldives and reveals her secret talent. 30 years, 30 questions, 30 answers.

Blick: What kind of cake are you looking forward to?
Wendy Holdener: I prefer to make fruit tarts, rhubarb and chriesi. But the cake is a surprise – it will be delicious.

Happy 30th Birthday! How does that sound?
Sometimes it would be nice if time slowed down a bit. On the other hand, it’s a good sign when time passes quickly – it’s a sign that you are happy. At least the number 30 doesn’t stress me out, I feel good about myself.

How do you celebrate a birthday?
I was already on vacation, sometimes I came home right on my birthday. This time I’m home. We always try to do something fun. I’ve invited friends and family, we’re going to a fine dining restaurant. And hopefully dance afterwards!

What should not be missing?
It’s all about having fun and having a good time with loved ones.

What is there to eat and drink?
We have a grill and a buffet with various side dishes. There are snacks with vegetable dip for that. And of course refreshing drinks – if you want, also with alcohol.

Your best birthday experience yet?
On the 26th I was surprised, we went to Zurich at Urban Surf Surfing. I had just come home from China, it was 30 hours before my birthday because of the time difference (laughs). And last year I was in an escape room with 15 women – we had to solve different tasks in teams to find the exit. That was amazing.

How was your holiday in the Maldives?
Very nice. It was good to see the sea again and take it easy.

Her boyfriend Remy is a certified diving instructor. A good one?
In each case. If he felt like tipping me, he did. Or a compliment. We took it easy.

The most special underwater experience?
One time I was really scared because I saw beautiful corals and then a moray eel was looking out. With those eyes and sharp teeth, she looked pretty scary.

Are you looking forward to summer training?
Terribly. I started in April, the last time I was on a bike ride. I’m fitter than I expected (laughs).

Do you miss skiing already?
If I saw a video of a cool slalom workout, I’d be tempted. But actually I enjoy the three months without snow.

What do you absolutely want to do in the summer?
We gave my brother Kevin a cycling weekend, it’s going to be beautiful. I also want to reconcile everything and, if possible, have room for spontaneous things in the planning.

There will be no major event this winter. Shame?
No. I like that you don’t always have to think about February in the back of your mind because that’s when the Olympics or World Championships are coming up. This makes seasonal planning more flexible.

Which race are you already looking forward to?
The slalom start in Levi in ​​November is always special.

On November 18 and 19 there will be descents on the Matterhorn for the first time. With you?
Rather not. At this stage of the winter I mainly concentrate on the technical disciplines. I don’t want to waste my energy.

Last season you achieved your first slalom victories in the World Cup. How do you look back?
I am especially happy that I was able to win not one, but two. I want to win again next winter.

Let’s look into the crystal ball: are you still at the start of the 2027 World Championships at home in Crans-Montana?
If I’m healthy, fit and motivated, why not? I see the opportunity today as very high.

You will soon be moving into your new apartment. What are you most looking forward to?
Soon is an exaggeration (laughs)! Christmas 2024 is the rough planning, then everything must be ready. When I move in, it will probably be spring 2025. But I’m really happy – my own four walls in the Ybrig, that’s nice.

What hardly anyone knows about you?
That I like to tinker! When I see something I like, I save it or take a photo. I am currently planning a special cork pinboard with various decorative elements.

Do you enjoy giving interviews?
Actually already. Especially if the questions are different than usual. Interviews can be tedious at times. When I got knocked out in the slalom world championships, a journalist didn’t want to give up – he kept asking even though I had nothing more to say.

When was the last time you were angry?
When I last got home from vacation, I ordered two things from an airport takeaway. After ten minutes the first dish was ready, perfect. Then I waited another 15 minutes and asked. The seller said that I already received everything and that I would not receive anything more. Then I became the feisty Wendy (laughs).

What are you reading now?
Romance books by Colleen Hoover, an American author.

Which Netflix series is great?
Tschugger is different, funny and still very exciting.

Which app do you spend too much time on?
Probably Instagram. But I sometimes put my mobile away a little longer, especially during the holidays.

Which celebrity would you like to meet?
Going out to dinner with Roger Federer would be great.

What invention should there be?
One that cures serious illnesses.

What would you like to learn?
French. I keep trying, but it doesn’t work.

You used to go to Europapark every now and then. Which roller coaster is the best?
I love Euro-Mir. I remember how a colleague once took her younger brother with her. He was so surprised, scared and happy on the roller coaster that we kept laughing – wonderful.

What is not necessary at all?
War. And pepper – I never need it, neither for cooking nor for eating.

What do you want to do when you are 40?
Enjoy life as much as you do now.

Source : Blick