Ski jumper Andreas Wellinger is not annoyed by persistent questions about Germany’s first overall victory at the Four Hills Tournament in 22 years.
“We are happy that we have the attention at this time of year and that many sports enthusiasts are watching us,” said the 28-year-old in an interview with “Bild am Sonntag”. “And because we want to win the tour just as much as every spectator.”
The last time a German ski jumper won the traditional tour was Sven Hannawald at the turn of the year 2001/2002. This time it begins on Thursday with the qualification in Oberstdorf, followed by the competitions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck and Bischofshofen, where the tour ends on January 6th.
Aware of your own role
“We want a jumper with a German flag to finally be able to stand at the top again on January 6th. We were very, very often close,” emphasized Wellinger. It will be easier for him because he knows what to expect. “And because I’ve often been in different situations: in the role of an outsider or in the role of the favorite.”
The Olympic champion has now completely recovered from the effects of a torn cruciate ligament and is considered a German hope alongside Karl Geiger and the surprisingly strong veteran Pius Paschke this winter.
Wellinger said he was extremely proud that he never gave up and emphasized: “I actually never had any doubts.” He always knew that he wanted to get back on the hill and back to the top. “I kept going because I knew I could do it. And because I always had fun doing it.” If the fun is lost, he will leave it alone. “It doesn’t matter how good I am at the time,” emphasized Wellinger.