Chika Yoshida is the FIS coordinator for the ladies' Continental Cup. The last competition of the season 2009/10 took place this past weekend in Zakopane. Reason enough for FISskijumping to talk about the season with the Japanese. How does she see the developement of women's skijumping, what can be improved?

FISskijumping: The season is over for the women, what conclusions to you come to?

Chika Yoshida: I'm very satisfied with this season. I see a very positive development.

FISskijumping: In the Top 15 there were jumpers from eight different nations. Is it sad if the women are not allowed to take part at the Olympics because there are, allegedly, too less top jumpers?

Yoshida: Yes, the Olympics are a difficult issue for us and it's hard to judge. Skijumping there is that a matter of the FIS, but of the International Olympic Committee.

FISskijumping: What are your wishes for the upcoming season, maybe more different winners? This season Daniela Iraschko won the most competitions.

Yoshida: Yes, but there were many different nations that achieved Top 6 results. It would be nice, if more nations would also make it on the podium. But that's basically a thing of the national associations. Of course it's also a question of the budget of the associations. But it the Continental Cup continues its positive development, that will come in the future. You get more different winners when the base of female jumpers grows. The associations will work on that.

FISskijumping: What was the highlight of the season for you?

Yoshida: Because we couldn't take part in the Olympics and there were no World Championships there was no really big highlight this season. For me it was the Junior World Championships in Hinterzarten. We had a great competition there ahead of many spectators. But there were also really good competitions in the Continental Cup.

FISskijumping: Are you satisfied with the number of spectators at the women's competitions?

Yoshida: Some organizing committees work very hard, unfortunately others don't.

FISskijumping: Would it push women's skijumping if it was on TV more often?

Yoshida: Yes, of course. That's something that we have to work on. This year the was a TV recording of the event in Schonach. That was great. And we already have an agreement for next season there. But in general the organizers take care of that and make their own recordings.

FISskijumping: How was the feedback of the athletes? Are they satisfied with the season?

Yoshida: Yes, there was a positive feedback of the athletes at all competitions. They are happy that the Continental Cup exists and see a positive development.

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