Hello Hurricane {English Translation}

24. Daniel - Innsbruck - Day of qualification

"No excuses. The weather forecasts are good. We'll see what tomorrow would be. The qualification should be possible. For each of you, "Alex looked at them sternly, so you could have heard a pin fall in the team container. "Use the test jumps to work on your timing. The hill has a steeper radius than others and tempts you to jump too late. You have to feel the hill. To get to know the hill. Like the woman you want to marry one day, because dissolutions are expensive."

Silently, the team shook their heads. Alex had expressed himself clearly. They all knew what they had to do. "Good. Now the last item on the list: The little Raw Air show tonight. All the important representatives of the press will be there. We must drum up buisness. It's not just about the format being adopted. Jumping as such must become more popular in Norway again. We need more people who want to watch competitions live and not just in front of their TV's. With Daniel we have already laid a good foundation, " Satisfied Alex looked at the blonde Norwegian.

While the entire team followed Alex's example and turned his attention to Daniel, he slipped restlessly around in his chair. He tried to put aside his guilty conscience. Ski jumping has been faded from the spotlight in recent days. And now he was the one everyone was counting on. Forcing himself to smile casually, he even managed to roll his eyes when Tom waved excessiv from across the room.

"That's about to expand now. For that we need the press. And everyone will come. So take more time for interviews. No making grimaces today. This must be done seriously. Got that? Tom? ", Alex looked at his protégé, who was still busy air-kissing Daniel.

"Will be seriousness in person, boss," jumped the lively Norwegian from his place and performed a girlish curtsey.

"I was afraid of that," Alex groaned, barely suppressing his amused grin. He knew the team was reliable. Rarely had he experienced such cohesion within a team. "But first of all: focus on training and qualifying. You can discuss the choice of clothes later, "Alex clapped his hands and stepped into the middle.

The others joined Alex and with a loud "Heia Norge" the small team meeting was ended. Daniel quickly turned away. He could feel Anders's stinging eyes on his back. They had already had a lively conversation this morning after breakfast about his friendship with Domen. Annoyed, he rummaged in his backpack as someone tapped on his shoulder. "Get off, Anders! I don't want another sermon. I- Oh ... ", Daniel stared surprised into the eyes of his coach.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?", Alex nodded to the exit.

"Sure," Daniel replied and followed him under the curious glances of the others. Alex led him into a small quiet alley between their containers. "What's up?"

"Everything okay with you? You know, your jumps are at a really high level. No reason to get nervous, " Alex eyed him attentively.

"I know. I'm looking forward to jumping. It's fun, "Daniel shrugged calmly. His way of telling Alex that he wouldn't screw it up. That he functioned as expected. Absently, Daniel stared into the distance. Kamil and Simon ran jogging past the alley.

"Okay," Alex replied after a moment's hesitation. "But if you need anything, please say so and we'll see what's possible."

"Thank you, but it isn't necessary. I'm okay," nodded the Norwegian, while his gaze automatically slid further towards the Slovenian crew quarters directly opposite. As if they were attracted magnetically. Unfortunately, Alex wasn't able to give him what he needed or wanted. He would have to accept this. It was that simple. He just had to go back to the agenda.

"-can brief you and help with the difficult journalists. What do you think about? ... Daniel?"

"What?"