Another disqualification
Ski jumping star suspended for rest of Four Hills Tournament
01/01/2026 – 4:36 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
There were several disqualifications at the Four Hills Tournament. This now has consequences for a repeat offender.
Ski jumper Timi Zajc was also disqualified from the second competition of the Four Hills Tournament and is now receiving a red card. At the New Year’s jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Slovenian’s suit deviated from the norm by four millimeters, which is why Zajc was disqualified before his first jump.
The red card means that Zajc will also be disqualified from the two upcoming competitions in Innsbruck (January 4th) and Bischofshofen (January 6th).
The German ski jumper Karl Geiger understands the organizers’ decision: “It can happen, but if it happens for the second time in a row, I have to say: It shouldn’t happen. That’s of course very frustrating for the athlete.”
In Oberstdorf his suit was off by three millimeters, which is why the teammate of long-time winner Domen Prevc was subsequently deprived of his shared second place.
“The only correct thing to do is to stay true to the line,” said ex-athlete Severin Freund as a ZDF expert. “If the athlete doesn’t adjust to it and the athlete doesn’t work on it enough, the only logical consequence is to continue to stick to the line from the F sharp.”
How consistent the jury is with its line was also shown by the fact that Zajc was not the only jumper who was disqualified. The American Jason Colby was also not allowed to take part in his first jump. Turkey’s Fatih Arda Ipcioglu was disqualified after his first jump.
The background to the numerous disqualifications are significantly stricter controls, where even the smallest deviations lead to a disqualification. The Fis decided to take this action after parts of the Norwegian team sparked a cheating scandal by secretly sewing a stiffer seam into their suits at the World Ski Championships last year.