ALPINE SKI WORLD CUP. Croatia’s Ivica Kostelić finally reached his goal after years of hard work winning three globes in the 2010/11 season. After he had already captured the super combined and the overall World Cup titles, the Croat claimed the slalom trophy on Saturday. It was a historical and very emotional moment for Kostelic, who talked about his accomplishments this season and his plans for after the finals in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.

Ivica Kostelic of Croatia celebrates winning the Overall World Cup on March 19, 2011 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. (March 18, 2011 - Photo by Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom/Getty Images Europe)

Ivica Kostelic of Croatia competes during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Men's Slalom on March 19, 2011 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. (March 18, 2011 - Photo by Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom/Getty Images Europe)

Congratulations on the three World Cup globes. You had a phenomenal season with a series of 7wins back in January where you laid the groundwork for winning the large overall globe. How did you feel after the slalom race today when you knew the third globe was also yours?

It was a very exciting and emotional moment. I worked really hard for this; especially winning the slalom globe, my second title in this discipline, was important to me. I've waited nine years for this chance. Slalom is my strongest discipline but in the last few years I often came close to winning it but then something happened or I missed a few races and never managed to capture the title again after 2002. My dad then said that something needs to change and we paid special attention to practicing slalom. We trained slalom like never before and every training day also included a few slalom gates.

Ivica Kostelic of Croatia wins the Overall World Cup on March 19, 2011 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. (March 18, 2011 - Photo by Alain Grosclaude/Agence Zoom/Getty Images Europe)

Your support team must be very happy with your achievements this season.

It is surely a very emotional moment for us. Janica, my sister, was also emotional. I appreciate what she has done for me and her love and passion helped me reach my goals. The entire team is delighted. It is gratifying and almost overwhelming when you reach your goal after working really hard towards it.

Ivica Kostelic of Croatia celebrates winning the Overall World Cup on March 19, 2011 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. (March 18, 2011 - Photo by Michel Cottin/Agence Zoom/Getty Images Europe)

In slalom the field of competitors is strong. Does that make your slalom title even more valuable?

There is a lot of competition in slalom and there are a few athletes in the top 5 who could be called the best skiers in the world. They can all ski fast in certain conditions under certain circumstances. It is difficult to come out on top of this tight field and it makes me proud.

After having achieved your major goals this season, what will be the challenge next season?

In sport, you always want to push your limits and go faster and win more medals no matter how many times you have won before. My wish is to eventually earn medals in all five disciplines and develop my potential in the speed disciplines. Of course my health is also important to me. I have to make sure my body stays healthy. In recent years, I adjusted my training accordingly to make sure I have enough recovery time and possibilities to recharge my batteries.

FISalpine.com
Saturday 19 March 2011

Ivica Kostelic of Croatia and Maria Riesch of Germany win the Overall World Cup globes on March 19, 2011 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. (March 18, 2011 - Photo by Alain Grosclaude/Agence Zoom/Getty Images Europe)

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