::: Europe On Ice | EOI GLOBAL :::

--- Were you happy with your 4th place at 2006 Euros or were you more disappointed that you didn't get a medal?

Sarah: First, I was disappointed, but I think that's just a natural reaction when you're so close to the medals. But then, disappointment became joy because I saw that Carolina skated very well and deserved third place. There was absolutely nothing to discuss because the score difference was quite big as well, and then I was excited about my great result. Carolina simply was better than me that day and I said to myself that I just needed to be better too next time.

-- At the Olympics, you finished 8th and were the 2nd highest placed European lady. Do you feel that the level of the ladies is higher in other parts of the world?

Sarah: The Russian ladies are definitely not as strong as they used to be; if Irina quits, there is only Sokolova left. But you never know what's going to happen in the next few years. I do believe there is a lot of potential in Europe. Carolina for example is a brilliant skater but unfortunately makes mistakes too. And I am getting stronger too (laughs). If I had skated at the Olympics like I had skated two or three years ago, I wouldn't have been the second best European lady either. Just a few small mistakes and you quickly fall back in the ranking.
I have to say though, I'd prefer to be second highest placed European next year at Euros.

-- Did you set yourself any goal for these Worlds?

Sarah: Not where any particular rank is concerned. I was 8th at the Olympics and the first and third placed ladies are not here, so top six would be great. But there are other skaters who might not be as tired yet, like the Japanese girls. Basically, I just want to skate my long programme as best as I can because all season long I haven't been able to do so. I always skated well but never flawless. I would like to finish this season off with a long programme that gives me the feeling of having given everything. Of course, I always give my very best but a flawless long programme would be great.


-- How would you describe your style of skating?

Sarah: That's a difficult question. I think I am still looking for my own style. I'd like to try any style and any kind of music, but many people have been telling me that slow and classic pieces, like my short programme, suit me very well. I think, at the moment I can express myself best to that kind of music but I hope I can show another side of me in the future.

-- Many people really enjoyed your short programme to the soundtrack of Finding Neverland this season. Can you tell us how you came up with that concept?

Sarah: It took quite some time till I had found the music for my short. I was looking for it for a long time together with my mom. We spent many hours in the CD shop and listened mostly to soundtracks. I eventually discovered Finding Neverland and all the pieces on the CD appealed to me right away. I talked about it with Salomé Brunner and my coach and they both liked it very much, too. I then chose the pieces I wanted to use, but it took another while till the programme was ready because I had to recut the music several times. I choreographed the programme with Salomé in Oberstdorf and I felt comfortable with it straight away. I was a bit afraid that the programme could be too "normal", not special enough, but apparently I was wrong.

-- Were you inspired by the film?

Sarah: Yes. I watched the film after I discovered the music and I had to cry so much. It's such a beautiful film. Of course, I didn't try to portray any of the characters. I just wanted to bring across the wonderful feeling I had when I watched the film.

-- Are you satisfied with how your season has gone over all?

Sarah: Very satisfied. I was able to train very well all the time and I could attend all the competitions. It was a very exhausting season, I did nothing else but skate, but I was never bored. Now I have to see what I want to do, how I want to continue.

-- What are your goals for the future? Do you know for how long you want to continue?

Sarah: I definitely want to go on till 2010. Like everybody I count form Olympics to Olympics, but I take year by year and try to improve. At the moment my chances are better in Europe than worldwide, but I hope this is going to change very soon. But first of all I will concentrate on the summer training.

If you are interested in learning more about Sarah, you can visit her official website at: http://www.sarahmeier.ch/