Austrian Ski Jumpers Dominate Opening Qualification at Four Hills Tournament
The austrian ski jumping team made a powerful statement at the start of the Four Hills Tournament,securing the top five spots in the opening qualification round in oberstdorf. Leading the charge was Daniel Tschofenig with an impressive jump of 141.5 meters. He was followed closely by teammates Stefan Kraft, Michael Hayböck, Jan Hörl, and Maximilian Ortner, showcasing Austria’s depth and dominance.
Despite this impressive display, Austria hasn’t tasted victory in the prestigious Four Hills Tournament as Stefan Kraft’s triumph in the 2014/15 season, a drought spanning a decade.
Meanwhile, Germany’s Pius Paschke, currently leading the World Cup standings, faced a setback. Despite holding the top spot in the World Cup rankings, Paschke struggled to replicate his recent form, finishing sixth with a jump of 139 meters. A slightly unsteady landing hampered his score, but German head coach Stefan Horngacher remained optimistic, stating, “Pius showed a good jump. He was a bit under pressure, and the landing wasn’t ideal, but that’s not a major concern. We can start the competition well tomorrow.”
Othre German hopefuls, Karl Geiger and Andreas Wellinger, also found themselves overshadowed by the Austrian onslaught. Geiger secured ninth place with a jump of 134 meters, while Wellinger, the reigning champion of the Oberstdorf leg, landed in 13th with a jump of 125.5 meters.
The impressive performances unfolded before a record-breaking crowd of 16,500 spectators,marking a new attendance high for a ski jumping qualification event.
Joining Paschke,Geiger,and Wellinger in Sunday’s main competition will be Stephan Leyhe (33rd),Philipp Raimund (39th),and Adrian Tittel (45th).
German Jumpers Face Tough Competition
The first round of the Four Hills Tournament promises exciting duels for the German team. Paschke will face off against Adrian tittel, while Geiger will be challenged by polish jumper Pawel Wasek. Andreas Wellinger, the defending champion of the Oberstdorf leg, will go head-to-head with Alexander Zniszczol from Poland.Stephan Leyhe will compete against Benjamin Östvold from Norway, and Philipp Raimund will face off against Bulgarian jumper Wladimir Zografski.
Austria Soars,Germany Stumbles in Four Hills Opener: A Chat with Former Champion,Sven Hannawald
The Four hills Tournament is back,and the opening round in Oberstdorf delivered a thrilling performance,with the Austrian ski jumpers leaving a dominant mark. Too unpack this exciting start, I’m joined by none other than former ski jumping world champion and Four Hills Tournament winner, Sven Hannawald. Sven, welcome!
Sven: Thanks for having me. It’s always great to discuss the Four Hills – thes competitions hold a special place in my heart.
You must be impressed with Austria’s performance; five jumpers in the top five! is this a sign of a potential Austrian victory this year after a 10-year drought?
Sven: Absolutely! their qualifying results are incredibly strong. tschofenig’s jump was phenomenal, and you can see the depth they have as a team.I wouldn’t be surprised if they carry this momentum into the tournament proper. The pressure is certainly on them now, though, after such a dominant showing.
On the other hand, Germany’s pius Paschke, the current World Cup leader, didn’t seem to have his best day. what do you think happened there?
Sven: Pius is undoubtedly talented, and he’s been performing well this season. Though, with expectations high and the weight of the Four Hills on his shoulders, perhaps he felt a bit of pressure.His landing wasn’t perfect, but as his coach said, it’s not a major concern. He’s a fighter and can definitely bounce back.
Do you think the german team can still challenge Austria for the title?
Sven: Definitely! Geiger and Wellinger are both capable jumpers. They’ve shown they can compete at this level.
They may not have had the ideal start, but the tournament is a marathon, not a sprint. Sunday’s competition will be crucial. If they can put together consistent perfor
m ances,I think they’re still very much in the mix.
But let’s be honest, the Four Hills is about more than just those two nations. What are your thoughts on other potential challengers?
Sven: It’s always exciting to see new faces emerge.
Keep an eye on the Polish jumpers; Wasek and Zniszczol are definitely ones to watch. Don’t underestimate norway either; they always have a few surprises up their sleeves.
This year, especially, the competition feels wide open.
Looking at the record crowd in Oberstdorf, it truly seems the enthusiasm for ski jumping is alive and well. Why do you think this event consistently draws such a passionate following?
Sven: There’s something truly captivating about ski jumping. These individuals launch themselves off seemingly unachievable heights, defying gravity with impeccable skill and technique. It’s a blend of adrenaline, beauty,
and athleticism that resonates deeply with peopel.
Plus, the Four Hills Tournament itself is steeped in tradition and history.
It’s a true spectacle, attracting fans from all over the globe.
Sven, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us.
And readers, what are your predictions for the Four Hills Tournament? Who are your favorites to win? Share your thoughts in the comment section below – let’s discuss!
