Sven Hannawald’s anger over the suit scandal surrounding the Norwegian ski jumpers continues to simmer noticeably even months after the incident.
Although the Norwegians Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang were banned for violating the rules at the World Championships, Hannawald finds the sanctions hardly noticeable: “The ban was just set in the summer – no one notices that,” he said, annoyed at “Sport1” about the procedure.
It is clear to him that an effective punishment would only be given if it affected the winter, because: “The shit happened in the winter, so you have to impose the punishment in the winter too.” Hannawald finds it particularly bitter that Lindvik is still listed as the current world champion despite the scandal.
For the German Four Hills Tournament winner, the matter is far from over. “It’s still a bit of a problem because nothing has really changed in terms of punishment,” he explains.
What particularly upsets him is how those involved deal with the affair. “It would take away certain things from me if the two candidates would simply admit: That was a mistake,” he said and added: “Everyone makes mistakes in life, but then you also have to put up with the cross and say: That was crap on my part and we’re sorry.”
Hannawald: The anger runs deep!
However, Lindvik and Forfang still claim that they were unaware of the manipulation. “These are things that just upset me,” said Hannwald. In his personal dealings with the Norwegians, the then Four Hills Tournament winner draws clear conclusions: “I don’t know what to say to them. The anger is already very deep in me.”
The distance on a sporting level is correspondingly large. The mood in the ski jumping circus was strained, reported Hannawald.
“Unfortunately you can tell that from all the jumpers too. They don’t really feel like talking to the Norwegians. That’s just the way it is.”
In addition, the Norwegians suddenly suspect other nations of fraud. For Hannawald, this is “the very last thing.” He demanded: “They need a basic wash so that they know where the front and the back are again.” From the perspective of the German ski jumping expert who works for ARD, the behavior is “embarrassing and sad” – both for the athletes and for the entire discipline.