Seiko Fukuoka, interview with the world champion
So Seiko, World Champion, how does it feel?
I am so happy to have this title. This is just one of my objectives. There are still many to come, but which are not easy to explain.
Before leaving for Colombia did you think that you would return with the title ?
I believed that one day I could do it, but I was not sure that it would be this time around, because i was not in perfect mental and physical condition.
How has it been for you during this lengthy competition ?
I tried to make the best use I could of the training days, to get accustomed to my new glider and harness. It was the first competition since changing from an Enzo2-S to the XS, and the Woody Valley X-Rated 6 to the OZONE Exoceat-S. At the beginning of the competition I could not find a consistent rythm, I don’t know why, but I really could not concentrate on flying. After a few tasks I started to get the sensation back, and this continued to get better right up until the end of the competition. Everyday was dedicated to preparing for the next days’ flight. I know that sounds boring, but it was necessary in order to keep my energy levels high, in preparation for the long flights ahead. I did go out a few times to have a healthy balance, and I was lucky that there were a few Acro. friends of mine who helped me relax. I was invited by one of them (Felix Rodgriguez) to join in a nostaligic family Spanish dinner! There were also the Japanese pilots with whom I could not help speaking my native language to.
What was it like flying in Roldanillo?
It was quite strong during the training days, but just before the competition started, the area had its first rainfall for, so I was told, the past three months, making the conditions less turbulent. However, the mountains still produced some reasonably strong conditions on most days.
Do you feel comfortable in these conditions ?
Actually, the conditions here with the combination of mountains and flatland, are not really my favourite. This did mean though, that I could learn a lot from each day and task were always exciting !
Generally speaking, your overall performance in past competitions has been startling (even though your participation in all of them has not been possible due to injury). Do you have a general strategy that you try to apply, or do you see how you feel on the day and go on your instinct ? In short, what is your secret !?
In my opinion, none of us are geniuses and most of our instinct comes from experience and a basic level of tactics. Unfortunately, I am not a genius and I do not yet have enough experience, so I fly using a lot of strategy and the little instinct I have already learned.
Are you very focused or relaxed before a competition?
It depends on the task and that particular moment. I think I would have difficulty concentrating for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time without any rest.
When you are flying, do you make your own decisions or stick to those made by the other leaders ?
In this particular competition, most of the time I was flying with other pilots. We often flew in the flatlands where it is not easy to find thermals and climb up on one’s own. Of course there were many pilots, but my tactic was to chose and decide for myself which of those pilots was the best to fly the course with.
With competition glider performance continuously improving, are you a pilot who privileges altitude flying or leaving on glide as soon as you see an opportunity ?
Nowadays, the wings have great performance so one must try to optimise thermalling to stay as high as possible. Of course this depends on the conditions, but this is my primary tactic. If you are high, you can fly faster, and the very best pilots are able to manage this to near perfection!
What are the conditions you feel most comfortable with in order to obtain a good result ?
I really don’t know. I thought I liked rough, strong conditions, but very often it is those with which I am least comfortable with, that get me the better result.
Can you describe some memorable moments during these last flights ?
One greatest moment for me during this comp was the day I came into goal in 5th position. I was still slow over the end of speed section, although that didn’t have any effect on my overall score. It felt so good to be there with so few gliders !
Who are the pilots you most admire ?
Do you mean the nice ones ? There are many great pilots, so I am not able to single out only some of them.
And who are those who have contributed to your success ?
There are many pilots who have a positive effect! A large number of Acro. pilots and also pilots from the French Team.
I know that being World Champion was one of your objectives which you have successfully achieved today. So what are your ambitions and projects for 2015 ?
I would like to break the World Straight Line Distance Record, and stand up there on the World’s general overall podium.
