The second place at the World Cup in Chamonix meant the first ever podium finish for a Greek athlete in a winter sport, the same of course goes for his sensational silver medal at the World Ski Championships in Courchevel. And AJ almost crowned this fantastic season with a World Cup victory in Palisades Tahoe, before he was disqualified for a threading.
Reason enough to introduce you to the fastest Greek on skis. We asked him a few questions and here are the answers.
Birthday
November 17, 1994
Nationality
Greek
Home Ski Resort
Parnassos Mountain
Social Links
https://www.instagram.com/aj_ginnis/?hl=en
Hometown
Vouliagmeni, Greece
Preferred Skiing Discipline
No doubt, Slalom
Second favorite type of skiing
Heliskiing
What year did you officially sign with Fischer?
I’ve been skiing with Fischer since I was 4 years old. My first official contract was 11 years ago, in 2011, at the age of 17!
How does the brand affect you?
It allows me to do what I love and I'm very grateful for this
Whats your favorite ski?
The RC4 SL Carvers, so much fun!
It’s a great ski that made by some of the most passionate and professional people in the industry.
What is your favorite boot from Fischer?
Of course the Podium Race Performance boot!
Yellow makes my calves look good
Is there a particular Fischer product (current or past) that particularly resonates with you/played a part in a story you’re like to tell?
My first skis were Fischer and I remember having a connection to the sport through my Fischer skis. I thought they looked so cool and the way they made me feel on the mountain on an early age made me fall in love with the sport and with the brand!
What are the top 3 things we should know about you?
I learned to ski in Greece 2
I started racing at age 12
It took me 8 years to finish my bachelors degree ;)
Favorite Quote or Personal Motto?
“O tolmon Nika!” (Eng: "Who dares, wins!")
Biggest breakthrough in your ski career?
Maybe the 2015 Europa Cup in Levi Finland, started with Bib 96 and finished 11th.
Favorite pastime / hobbies (besides skiing, of course)?
I love sports in general, but especially the gym, basketball, tennis and volleyball
Where have you not been that you want to go to (preferably for skiing)?
Alaska to ski some powder, that looks always great!
How do you train for skiing during the offseason?
I will spend a lot of time in the gym and on the bike working on my fitness!
What was your most humbling moment?
To be honest, I have too many to list. Most probably the 3 ACL tears and 6 knee surgeries each provided valuable lessons to me.
Future goals/projects/dreams/ambitions?
I was the first athlete to ever score World Cup points for Greece, the first to reach a World Cup podium for Greece and the first Greek to win a medal at World Championships. But of course, I want to be the first to win a WC race for Greece, that's a big dream!
Most important role model while growing up?
Bode Miller, Steven Nyman, Rainer Schönfelder
Who do you consider to be a current mentor or role model?
Steven Nyman, my big brother and role model! Too bad, he retired this year but he always has an open ear to call him.
Top 1-5 results in competitions
1. Silver Medal World Championships Courchevel 2023
2. 2nd at Worldcup in Chamonix 2023
3. 11th at Worldcup in Flachau 2021
4. 20th at Worldcup in Adelboden 2023
5. 20th at Worldcup in Soldeu 2023
Most memorable moment while competing:
Scoring my first WC points in Madonna Di Campiglio, reaching the first podium at Chamonix and of course winning the silver medal in Courchevel!
What advice would you give yourself at the beginning of your competitive career?
Stay away from speed and take care of your knees
