Janka ready for big time at first Olympics (News Feature)

By David Hein Feb 11, 2010, 3:40 GMT

Whistler, Canada - Carlo Janka is a cool customer who does not get fazed very easily. But the Swiss man's relaxed attitude will be tested as the reigning giant slalom world champion makes his Olympic debut in Whistler.

Janka, 24, shined at the 2009 alpine worlds in Val d'Isere, France, winning bronze in the downhill. The Olympics, however, are another beast.

'The whole thing is bigger than Val d'Isere. There are more journalists and more athletes, which I like. And hopefully I get a chance to see some other sports,' Janka said.

'But, yeah, the Olympics are a lot bigger.'

Janka reiterated the goal he has expressed in the months building up to Vancouver 2010.

'My goals are still the same as I have said. I want a minimum of one medal. I don't really care which discipline it comes in. The main thing is at least one medal,' said Janka.

The Obersaxen native will have plenty of chances for Olympic hardware as he will race in the downhill, super-g, giant slalom and super combined. And Janka also has the big-race experience of winning the legendary downhill at Wengen in front of 30,000 raging local Swiss fans.

Janka surprised many observers - opposing skiers and teammates alike - for his very calm reaction to winning at Wengen last month and taking gold and bronze at the 2009 worlds.

And he hopes he can stay cool during his premiere Games.

'I hope I have the necessary cool and just concentrate on my thing. But I don't think it will be a problem even though this is the Olympics,' he said with very few emotions.

Janka admitted that he had some problems on the Creekside course on Wednesday as he finished 28th in the first downhill training - 2.84 seconds behind Swiss compatriot Didier Cuche. The training was delayed and eventually cancelled due to fog.

'I had a problem on the snow. I don't know if it was because of the skis. But we have to decide and see what we need to improve on. But until the race we have to find a good mix,' said Janka.

He also said that Cuche was clearly one the favourite for Saturday's downhill race and it was no surprise he won the first training.

'Obviously his (broken) thumb didn't bother him too much. He's the one to beat,' he added.