after nearly two years away, Markus Eisenbichler is making a triumphant return to the Four Hills Ski Jumping Tournament. The 33-year-old Bavarian athlete has secured a spot on the German team for the New YearS competition in garmisch-Partenkirchen, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. this marks a shift from the Oberstdorf leg, where national coach Stefan Horngacher opted for a smaller, elite squad. For the Garmisch-partenkirchen event, Horngacher has expanded the team to include the national group, allowing for greater roster adaptability.
Eisenbichler expressed his disappointment at being excluded from the Oberstdorf lineup in a recent interview wiht “BR,” stating, “My heart is bleeding.” Though, the iconic Great Olympic Ski Jump presents him with a valuable prospect to prove his worth and possibly earn a place on the team for the subsequent stages in innsbruck and bischofshofen.
Meanwhile, Eisenbichler’s teammates Philipp Raimund and Stephan Leyhe, who competed in Oberstdorf, faced challenges. Raimund finished in 40th place,while Leyhe placed 48th,falling short of expectations.
The Comeback Kid: An Interview with Markus Eisenbichler
Welcome back, ski jumping fans! Today we have a very special guest joining us, the Bavarian Eagle himself, Markus Eisenbichler! Markus, welcome to the show!
Markus: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here and chat with everyone.
Moderator: So, Markus, let’s dive right in. After almost two years away from the Four Hills Tournament, you’re back! How does it feel to be back on the German team for Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
Markus: It’s an astonishing feeling. Being away was tough, but I never lost sight of my goal: getting back to the four hills. I’ve been training hard and pushing myself, and it feels amazing to see it pay off. The New Year’s competition at Garmisch is iconic, and I can’t wait to feel that energy from the crowd again.
Moderator: You were visibly disappointed about missing the Oberstdorf leg, stating your “heart was bleeding.” What was that experience like for you, and how did you use that disappointment to fuel your comeback?
markus: It was definitely a low point, no question. Every athlete wants to compete and give their all, but Stefan Horngacher, our coach, chose a smaller squad for Oberstdorf. While I respected his decision, it hurt. But you know,sometimes setbacks can light a fire under you. I used that disappointment as motivation to train harder, fine-tune my technique, and come back stronger than ever.
moderator: Speaking of coming back stronger, how do you feel about your chances in Garmisch? Do you think this is an possibility to solidify your place on the team for the rest of the tournament?
Markus: I believe in myself and my abilities. This jump is huge, and I know it. The Great Olympic Ski Jump demands respect, but it’s a stage I thrive on. A strong performance here can definitely pave the way for innsbruck and Bischofshofen. I’m prepared to give it my all.
Moderator:
Let’s talk about your teammates, Philipp Raimund and Stephan Leyhe. They faced some challenges in Oberstdorf. What’s your take on their performance,and what advice would you give them heading into Garmisch?
Markus: Both Philipp and Stephan are talented jumpers. Oberstdorf obviously wasn’t their best day, but that happens in this sport. The biggest thing is to learn from those moments, analyze what went wrong, and come back with renewed focus. I’ve been through tough times myself, and I know the importance of mental strength.They have my full support.
Moderator:
Looking at the bigger picture,this is a big year for German ski jumping.
What are your hopes and expectations for the team throughout the Four Hills Tournament?
Markus: I have high hopes for us. We have a strong team, a mix of experience and young talent. Garmisch marks a fresh start, and I believe we can build momentum from there. Of course, we want to see the German anthem played on those podiums, but more importantly, we want to showcase our passion, our skill, and give the fans something to cheer about.
Moderator: Fantastic words, Markus. As we wind down, any final thoughts for our readers?
markus: To all the fans out there, thank you for your support. It means everything to us athletes. The Four Hills Tournament is a truly special event, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
Moderator:There you have it, folks! A truly inspiring conversation with Markus Eisenbichler. We wish him and the entire German team the best of luck in Garmisch-Partenkirchen! What are YOUR thoughts on Markus’ comeback? Can he reclaim his place among the top ski jumpers? Share your opinions in the comments below!
