Just a few weeks ago, the 33-year-old was in rehab after an operation for a massive herniated disc. Her return to racing was pleasing with fifth, eighth and most recently two World Cup places. “I’ve speculated about it. I have high standards and I knew which strings to pull. The training was tough, but the will was there. In the end, I’m happy that things are going so well at the start, that was the problem during the injury,” Flock told APA.
The operation, which was ultimately unavoidable after constant back problems over the summer, has served its purpose. “I’m really fine. It’s nice to be pain free. It’s only now that I’ve realized what that means.” However, caution is sometimes still required in training. “I have to be careful with the tension in the muscles, the one-sided running at the start is not ideal.” With accompanying physiotherapy, however, she has it under control.
Flock positively evaluates the work with the new coaching duo Walter Hable and Franz Esterhammer, who succeeded their coach and ex-boyfriend Matthias Guggenberger. “It’s cool how quickly we changed technical things during sprint training.” Hable always has creative solutions ready. Changing the explosive strength training and the running style is a longer process, which should only be fully reflected next season due to the injury break. “It doesn’t happen overnight, but it has already borne fruit, even in the short time after rehabilitation. I benefited a lot from that.”
“I have nothing to give away”
Due to the long injury break, she still lacks substance. “The general fitness and resilience are not as usual because the strength-endurance training has fallen by the wayside.” The missing days on the ice track are also a factor, you get used to the stress caused by the high centrifugal forces through many rides.
Nevertheless, Flock wants to get involved in the medal fight in the two World Championship races on Thursday and Friday. “I have nothing to give away, I want to step on the gas and get the most out of it.” Her training rides at the beginning of the week don’t let her get overconfident. “I’m doing quite well, but I still have my little things that I want to do better in the race.”
Good memories of St Moritz
With three World Cup victories, further podium places and EM silver last year, Flock has many good memories of the natural ice track. However, she does not want to describe St. Moritz as her favorite railway. “I don’t really have a favorite track. I travel to every train with little expectation, the spark has to fly. Although I’ve been there for a long time, it’s different every year – the ice structure, the entry and exit of corners and also the equipment. The feeling has to be right,” emphasized Flock and then got enthusiastic.
The track and the atmosphere in the posh Swiss winter sports resort are unique. “The ice is finer and smooth. It’s quiet, there’s no shaking, there’s no unevenness.” However, the system also has its pitfalls, and the weather and the associated material could also be decisive.
The 2026 Olympics remain an issue
In the long term, the 2026 Winter Games will remain an issue for Flock, which has so far been left empty-handed at the Olympics. “I’ll take care of that. As long as things make me curious, I’m motivated and driving is fun, I don’t see any reason to think about quitting.” But she hopes that she can decide for herself and not let her body dictate the end of her career. The herniated disc could not stop her from continuing. “There was still too much motivation in me. It was clear to me that I wanted to continue with the new coaching environment.”
