Helena von Opel and the
Winter Pentathlon
Carmen, our Head of Marketing Services, is passionate about sports – but five disciplines in one day? That’s a bit too much for her! She has great admiration for the athletes who take on this challenge. Andrea, a local photographer, will capture the most remarkable moments of the Winter Pentathlon with his camera.
What is the special attraction of the Winter Pentathlon for you?
It’s an opportunity to do everything you can experience in the Engadin in one day. You can also enjoy all the best things about the Engadin – the lake, the Stazerwald forest with its cross-country skiing, the bobsleigh run. It offers something that other places don't. And for me, it's also an opportunity to spend time with my family.
You mean it is a family affair?
Yes, both my father and I took part in the first and second years. This year, my brother will also be competing. We each have our strengths in the different disciplines, and we have varying levels of ambition. My father was very ambitious in the beginning, but after the difficult weather conditions last year, it’s more about having fun for him now. For me, it is exactly the opposite – I am more ambitious now than when I first started (laughs). That is also because I have been training a lot.
Training for five disciplines can’t be easy. How did you prepare?
It's mostly all about endurance. The treadmill in the gym helps - as do these ski trainer machines. You can't really train for ice skating and bobsleighing, but that makes cross-country skiing here in the Engadin all the better. And the most important thing is to have confidence in yourself.
It isn’t exactly a gentle start on race day either…
No, it’s not. It starts with the ski touring course, which involves climbing around 800 metres - at 7 o'clock in the morning! You literally roll out of bed and get right on your skis. That's also the most challenging discipline for me.
What is your favourite discipline?
Cross-country skiing. I know what to expect, even if it is exhausting - and I trust my skis. The giant slalom is also special because you do it on touring skis. I also feel comfortable on the ice - my mum was a figure skater, so that helps. And I run the Cresta, so I'm used to the speed and the different forces involved in bobsleighing. But it's different sitting in a box than lying on a sled - which I prefer (laughs).
How do you feel a few days before the event?
I'm really looking forward to it – I love this event! Although I've done it twice before, it's different every time. But I don't sleep particularly well the night before - not because I'm nervous, but just because it's a big day, like before giving a presentation. A good night's sleep would help, of course.
Is there now a close-knit community within the Winter Pentathlon?
it has become that, yes. At the first event there were small groups, by the second we knew each other that bit better, and now this year it really has become a proper community. Last year I encouraged two good friends to take part - and this year even some of my work colleagues are joining in. The range of participants is a real mix, there are very ambitious people and those who are more relaxed. And it's very international! For example, there are athletes from Greece who come here especially for the pentathlon – how great is that?
You already do pentathlon. Could triathlon also be something you would be interested in?
Well, winter sports are more my thing. But I've signed up for the Zurich Marathon, so I'll see what happens after that.
What makes a successful Winter Pentathlon for you?
For me, it's successful when I feel fulfilled in the evening and have had a good time with my family. And if I have a good result, even better.
Helena von Opel lives in Zurich and the Engadin. When she is not competing in five Olympic disciplines or rocketing down the Cresta Run, she is working on innovations for a Swiss shoe manufacturer.
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