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Interview by Dianne Ludwig (at the end of the 2005-2006 season)

Big sacrifices on the way to the very top

At the Olympic Base Dortmund, the ice dance couple Carolina (17) and Daniel (19) Hermann train for a big ice dance career

I have already known the siblings Carolina and Daniel Hermann for approximately eight years. We train together at the Olympic Base for Figure Skating and Ice Dancing in Dortmund. Caro and Daniel have always been and still are great role models for me. At their level, the junior level, they are simply the best to me. Their biggest successes in the 2005-2006 season are a first place in Olomouc (Czech Republic), a seventh place at the Junior Grand Prix in Gdansk (Poland), and the second place at the German Nationals in Berlin. The "Hermen," as we fondly call them, have just returned from the Olympic Youth Camp in Turin. I have used this opportunity for an interview.

-- Caro and Daniel, you had the great honor of participating in the Olympic Youth Camp in Turin. How did this come about, and what did you experience?

The German Skating Union provided us the opportunity to apply for the participation in the Youth Camp. We seized this opportunity. As a matter of fact, we were chosen. We were overjoyed, and we felt truly honored. Nevertheless our expectations were even exceeded. Everywhere in Turin we could enjoy the Olympic atmosphere. It is difficult to describe the Olympic spirit. We are just very happy that we could be involved. It was an unforgettable experience - simply brilliant. What is more, we have met lots of VIPs, e.g. Horst Köhler (President of Germany), Harald Schmidt (late night host) and Johannes B. Kerner (late night host). Meeting Georg Hettich (Nordic combined skier) was also very exciting.

-- Unfortunately you did not manage to qualify for the World Junior Championships. Is there comfort to this?

Germany is only allowed to send one team to Junior Worlds. Which couple gets to go is made contingent upon the placements at the German Nationals. Since we only came in second in Berlin with an extremely small gap of .14 points, we regrettably weren't permitted to go to Canada. The participation in the Youth Camp in Turin was a consolation. We however hope that we will manage to compete at Junior Worlds next year.

-- You spend hours together every day in order to practice hard. Do you sometimes get on each other's nerves?

We've been living without our parents in Dortmund for two years. Here we have a room not far away from the rink. Our family lives in Wuppertal. Therefore we pretty much depend on each other. We probably argue and are at variance even more often than other siblings because we spend every afternoon together. Right after school, we go to practice for 4-5 hours. Getting on each other's nerves is inevitable. Many siblings fight and then avoid each other, but we cannot leave the other alone during practice. Therefore we pull ourselves together quickly even after the bitterest quarrel in order to train focused.

-- Our sport often gets sneered at as "making curlicues on ice." What do you reply when being confronted with this?

People who say something like this just don't have any idea of figure skating. Hard practice on a daily basis from an early age is necessary in order to make it to the top in this sport. Many athletes start this sport at the age of three or four. In most winter sports, every athlete has several opportunities to compete. In biathlon, for example, you can compete in the 20 km race, in the 50 km race and again in the relay. In figure skating and ice dancing, you always have one chance only. That's why our sport really is one of the hardest sports. Moreover, we've had the experience in Turin that skating is not only the most popular sport, but also the one with the most expensive tickets for the spectators.

-- There have been some spectacular falls in pairs skating recently, and also in Turin. As the most dangerous element in skating, lifts are undoubtedly a crucial factor. Caro, how do you conquer your fear?

"You mustn't be afraid," I hear that again and again. It's all very well to say that. As far as the lifts are concerned, I would rather call my feeling cautiousness. The confidence in Daniel plays a very important role. With other couples you can sometimes notice the lost confidence and the fear. This cannot be.

-- Daniel, how do you deal with the responsibility regarding the lifts?

I always make myself aware that Caro's safety literally rests upon my shoulders during the lifts. I'm highly focused and don't risk anything. I'm very aware of her trust in me.

-- I had and always have a "fear element" which doesn't work out that well at the moment. What about you?

In our case that's currently the twizzles (fast turns on one foot which have to be executed side by side and in unison). Sometimes the amount of turns isn't right yet, or we aren't quite in unison. But things will sort themselves out. With some practice we'll get there.

-- Are there any more highlights for you this season?

We don't have any competitions anymore. But the preparation for the next season has already started. We're learning the new compulsory dances, and in April we'll start the choreography for the new free dance. What's most important right now is Daniel's graduation. The examinations are just around the corner.

-- I'm wishing you all the best for this and for the next season, and, as usual, I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Dianne Ludwig
Class 9b
Pestalozzi Gymnasium Unna