Felix Hoffmann caused a big surprise at the start of the Four Hills Tournament and took third place. In his column for sport.de, the DSV Adler reviews this very special day and reveals why he is particularly looking forward to the next competition.
The tension is now subsiding and the competition is over. Opening competition of the Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf. The arena is sold out, the crowd is buzzing. Raimund and I were able to show good jumps and both placed in the top six. The German fans are standing everywhere with big cowbells and ringing us with their enthusiasm. We are enjoying the aftermath of the competition in the area where relatives and friends are waiting for us when I get a call.
“Felix, you’re still third!” a team supervisor calls out to me – I realize, somewhat disbelievingly, that there must have been a disqualification that allowed me to achieve the first podium place of my career at a Four Hills Tournament – amazing! In fact: a look at the scoreboard confirms it. The Slovenian Timi Zajc had a suit that was 3 millimeters out of compliance with the rules. A co-favorite can therefore fail by centimeters when jumping and millimeters when checking the suit!
“Should I pinch myself for a reality check?”
So I quickly go to the flower ceremony. Put on the starting number, straighten the hat, have the skis at hand for presentation and then, yes then, I lead the top three – again to the deafening noise of cowbells – to the “small” award ceremony. What a mood, what moments, what a competition! Third in Oberstdorf at the Four Hills Tournament. Should I pinch myself for a reality check?
The path to the team bus is lined with fans and how could it be otherwise… with cowbells! Autographs are signed before the bus door closes and peace returns.
Everyone is exhausted, everyone is happy, everyone is enjoying a moment of peace.
“I don’t have any predictions in my head”
The journey takes you back to our tried and tested team hotel “Sonnenbichl” in Fischen.
Kilometers to review the competition again. Yes, there were two good jumps that I was able to show. I confirmed the results of the preliminary competitions and did so in front of a “full house”. I’m pleased that I was able to perform well. I’m really happy and grateful that I made the German fans’ bells ring.
The most common question from journalists about what chances I think I have overall is something I personally don’t ask myself at all. I jump on sight. I am happy and happy with my result and am looking forward to the ski jump in Garmisch, which I love very much and which I always get along well with.
I don’t have any predictions in my head, I want to stay with myself and show my best jumps every day – nothing more, nothing less.
The bus drives in front of the hotel, the staff greets us… how could it be otherwise with cowbells, the greatest Allgäu appreciation you can possibly get.
Kind regards,
Felix Hoffmann