This time, Hermann Weinbuch is serious. For four decades, the “eternal Hermann” has been the face, brain and voice of German Nordic combined as an athlete and trainer, and he has repeatedly flirted with his departure. But he’s never sounded as confident as he did before the World Championships in Planica.
“It will be the last time,” says Weinbuch, who will probably actually retire after an incredible 27 years as national coach.
The combination was “my whole life”, said the 62-year-old before his last title fights, so his emotional state fluctuates “a bit back and forth”. Weinbuch faltered briefly at this sentence, then he caught himself again and looked ahead full of energy: “I want to be successful again with the boys. I still want to take that step.”
Frenzel, Rydzek and Co. thank Weinbuuch
Weinbuch’s successes are already enormous. At the 2019 World Championships he broke the mark of 50 international medals under his direction – thanks to top stars like Eric Frenzel, Johannes Rydzek and Fabian Rießle. The charismatic and sometimes stubborn champion maker has long belonged to the ranks of the “eternal” national coaches, who form icons such as Sepp Herberger, fencing founding father Emil Beck or rowing professor Karl Adam.
His athletes are already at his feet. “Hermann made us what we are today. We have to be very grateful to have had such a coach,” says Frenzel. The record world champion has already promised to go medal hunting for Weinbuch in Planica as well. And then? “It would be nice if he could somehow stay with the combination. His wealth of experience helps everyone.”
Weinbuch also hopes for a future in the combination. “I would like to continue working for the Ski Association, that would be my wish. But you have to see if there is a position for me. I’m a bit uncertain,” said the former world champion. However, the timing for a change seems well chosen, as there is no major event in winter 2023/24. So his successor would start in peace.
What it could be called is currently open. Certainly not Eric Frenzel – for the time being. After the season, the 34-year-old wants to consider whether to continue until the 2025 World Cup in Trondheim. For the time after his career, however, he can certainly imagine working as a coach. “That’s a possibility that I will use in the decision,” said the Saxon before the start of the season. Hermann Weinbuch must have listened carefully.