Wikinews interviews Spanish para-alpine skier Úrsula Pueyo

Saturday, February 23, 2013 

Úrsula Pueyo before the start of today's cancelled slalom event
Image: Raystorm.

Earlier today, Wikinews interviewed Spanish para-alpine LW2 clasffied skier Úrsula Pueyo during a delay in the slalom event at the IPC Alpine World Championships at La Molina, Spain. Pueyo is the only woman on the Spanish 2013 World Championship team, and was the only female Spanish standing skier at the 2010 Winter Paralympics. Following the interview, event organizers announced the slalom had been cancelled for the day due to high winds and was rescheduled for tomorrow.

Úrsula Pueyo interview on cancelled slalom ski day.

Wikinews: Hello, we are with Úrsula Pueyo. Today is the slalom race. What are your sensations for the day?^((es))

Úrsula Pueyo: Well, to be honest, my sensations for today are better than ever. I've been feeling really good while skiing, I am looking forward to competing, and I'm liking the slopes. The only thing is, let's see if the weather will allow it.^((es))

WN: Right, because the weather today is giving us a surprise... Let's hope you can compete later.^((es))

Úrsula Pueyo: Yes. Really, the race started, twelve competitors managed to go out and get times, and I had number 19 and I was left at the gate waiting to go. [Laughs]^((es))

WN: How do you see yourself for Sochi [Winter Paralympics Games of 2014], in this last event before it?^((es))

Úrsula Pueyo: Well, today's the slalom, and on Tuesday and Wednesday the giant, so I hope to get other races in before Sochi [Laughs], but yeah, really looking forward to this one. And whatever comes next, will come.^((es))

WN: You're the only woman in the Spanish team. Is that an issue ever for you? Is it different, challenging, being the only woman? Is gender an issue in women's skiing?^((es))

Úrsula Pueyo: Yes, I mean it's not a problem in the Spanish team. Four men and a lone woman.^((es))

WN: Do you think the level of the women's skiing is the same level as the men's?^((es))

Úrsula Pueyo: Yes! The same. Maybe the men have more speed, but the technical level is the same.^((es))

WN: Thank you very much!^((es))