Despite all the ski jumping problems, Markus Eisenbichler can not deny the hope of a sporty Christmas miracle. “It’s not easy, but I won’t let myself get down”said the 30-year-old at the peak of his flight crisis. “The few days of Christmas vacation have always been good for me.”
At a loss in Engelberg
Just before the 70th Four Hills Tournament, nothing comes together with the exceptional talent. The emotional Bavarian doesn’t know exactly why. “I am at a loss“, said Eisenbichler after his 35th place at the touring dress rehearsal in Engelberg.
There are, however, a few approaches. “I’m just unsure. I think that’s the main problem”, he said. “I know I’m pretty good at ski jumping, but I just don’t have the confidence right now.”
Result of a fall?
At the beginning of winter, things went well for Siegsdorf, who has already won six gold medals at world championships – at least as far as the results are concerned. In the first six individual World Cups, “Eisei” always ended up in the top eight and jumped onto the podium twice. This was followed by the disappointing places 40, 27 and 35, which he commented undisguised. Eisenbichler cursed, Eisenbichler hit his thighs with his hands, Eisenbichler hurried out of the spout, shaking his head and visibly annoyed.
An event from October apparently played a central role in his crisis of form. Eisenbichler fell at the Summer Grand Prix in Klingenthal. Even if he wasn’t seriously injured: the experience has left its mark. “So falls do something to me now and then”he explained. “You are no longer such a calm, lively dog who then says: ‘Yes, yes, I can easily put that away’.”
Hope for the holidays
With the help of his trainers, whose work Eisenbichler recently praised again and again, he saw himself on a promising path before the immediate tour test in Switzerland. He wanted to go to the Schanzen spectacle “fully attack”said Eisenbichler, exuding confidence. National coach Stefan Horngacher also saw “a great chance that he will be in top form again during the tour or during the tour”.
That Eisenbichler suddenly becomes a victorious jumper again within a few days would be surprising. But it is not impossible. During the tour in particular, athletes who were not necessarily favorites before have often trumped. A little distance from sport and a little rest over the holidays could help. Don’t think about ski jumping, spend time with your loved ones: Maybe that will bring back a little of the lost security.
Special relationship with Karl Geiger
And then there would be teammate Karl Geiger, with whom Eisenbichler has a special relationship. The two have built each other up and benefited from each other on several occasions. Geiger is currently jumping from one success to the next and is wearing the yellow jersey of the overall World Cup leader in the qualification for the first tournament in Oberstdorf on December 28th. He still believes in his buddy. After Eisenbichler’s 27th place last Saturday, the 28-year-old was certain: “You can count on him again by the tour at the latest!”
dpa
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Status: December 21, 2021, 12:46 pm