Ski jumping Germany is dreaming of its first overall victory at the Four Hills Tournament in 21 years. In Norway, however, there is a stir about a possibly non-compliant suit worn by Oberstdorf winner Andreas Wellinger.
In an article on its online portal, the public broadcaster “NRK” raises the question of whether Wellinger should have even been allowed to compete in the first jumping of the tour on Friday.
Background: a hole below the armpit in his suit during the qualification the day before, which can be clearly seen in photos.
“If he had been with me and I had seen the suit, then he would have been disqualified,” Austrian FIS controller Christian Kathol told the broadcaster.
Wellinger’s suit was no longer checked after his qualifying jumps, as only randomly selected athletes have to be checked.
“It could have happened while cheering”
“He was really lucky,” said Kathol, who also noted that it was not possible to determine from the pictures whether the hole might have only appeared after the jump.
Former ski jumper and current “NRK” expert Johan Remen Evensen also echoed the same sentiments. “It could have happened while cheering,” said the 38-year-old.
Remen Evensen also pointed out that a hole in the suit does not necessarily represent an advantage for the jumper. “It can also be a disadvantage, but rules are rules,” said the Norwegian.
Apparently no one noticed the hole in Wellinger’s suit immediately during the competition. No other nation protested. The 28-year-old won both the qualification and the jumping.
Four Hills Tournament: DSV coach breaks off interview
In connection with the report about Wellinger’s possible violation of the rules, “NRK” also published a video in which a reporter asked DSV coach Stefan Horngacher about the incident after jumping on Friday.
The 54-year-old didn’t answer the question and immediately ended the interview by storming off.
After the strong qualification of the DSV Adler, there was also discussion in Norway about the bindings used by the German team, which combine the boot with the ski.
“It’s quite a secret. I don’t know what they look like from the inside,” said tour defending champion Halvor Egner Granerud, who didn’t even make it to the final during Wellinger’s triumph.