The new women’s hang gliding world champion on what matters most
When did you start flying?
In 2010, during a deep winter, winching up from the frozen lakes near Moscow. It was really tough with such low temperatures, but the thick blanket of snow actually helped keep me safe with my early landings.
What got you hooked?
It was the technical side that hooked me. I wanted to get behind it, understand how it works, to learn the micrometeorology, aerodynamics and so on. The idea of flying without an engine was too fascinating not to try. Also, I spent my youth mountaineering in the high ranges of the Caucasus, Tian Shan and Pamir. After I started flying, I saw how much broader my fascination with the mountains could be.
What does flying mean to you?
Challenge and freedom. I feel a sense of accomplishment after every landing. And it is such a huge privilege to be able to free fly–we are living in exactly the right moment in history. Fifty years ago it didn’t exist, and in fifty years’...
