Elena Koenz
/
Switzerland
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Date of birth:
1986.03.18
Hometown:
Golden, CO
Sponsors:
Slackline Industries,
Hobbies:
Highlining, Yoga, Climbing
Favourite athletes:
Jerry Miszewski, Libby Sauter
BIO
Heather Larsen is a professional slackliner and highliner with Slackline Industries. She has been pushing the limits in the sport for 5 years and is based out of Golden, CO where she has access to multiple highlining locations.
She is recognized as one of the top female highline athletes globally and is looking to beat her own records for tricks and length of lines walked. Heather loves to expose the sport to more people by teaching clinics and performing on highlines at events to inspire others to try the sport out for themselves.
INTERVIEW
What are you looking for to accomplish?
I have a lot of goals with the sport. For one, I am training to send (walk cleanly, without falling) much bigger highlines than my current personal record.
I am also looking to develop new tricks on the line that I can take up high onto lines with amazing views and in unique environments. My goal is to always be progressing and to stay creative.
What would be your greatest achievement?
I believe that my greatest achievement is actually a combination of all of the lessons learned from trying hard and putting myself in a scary environment and learning how to cope with fear while still progressing in the sport.
What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?
The most difficult part of highlining is mental endurance and staying in the moment while I’m on the line. If my mind wanders, that is typically when I fall off.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
The most satisfying part of performing my sport is sharing my passion with others. I am very fortunate to have opportunities to travel the globe and experience slacklining in a multitude of locations with several different communities and in amazing locations.
I am typically with a small group of athletes pursuing the same lines. Sharing these experiences brings me a lot of joy. The community is an amazing one.
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
I practice a lot in the park between two trees. I am able to set up my line at different lengths, tensions, and weight to get some quality practice in.
What do you do during your training which is key to your success?
I always say that the more time spent on the line, the stronger you will be. Just staying on the line for a long period of time or getting back on when I fall is a huge key to success in slacklining.
What are you most nervous about when competing?
I try not to let anxiety take over when I am performing. I focus on letting the energy of the crowd fuel my excitement for being out there in front of them in the first place. I know if I fall, I can always get back on the line and show them what else I have!
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
I would say my biggest fans are my bosses, Sheena from my “day job” and Jaime from Slackline Industries. They are both outrageously supportive of my progression and have always been there for me to discuss different elements of the sport.
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
Don’t take anything personally.
What are your future plans?
My future plans are to adventure as much as possible with really amazing people.
What are your tips for those who begin now?
Breathe. It is the biggest “secret” in any activity. And remember that nobody starts out with anything as a pro. It takes time and practice…and patience.
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