Ski jumper Karl Geiger managed a brilliant comeback at the start of the Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf. In his sport.de column he shares the emotions and looks ahead to the jumping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
The view goes far into the Oberstdorf valley, the snow-covered mountains just before sunset are just outlines – you sit on the beam and down in the arena over twenty thousand fans scream your name.
If you were blindfolded, you would guess Oberstdorf just from the background noise: the opening competition of the Four Hills Tournament, which we were all looking forward to as a team.
It was a high-class competition with many long jumps and it was the expected duel between Germany and Austria. In the past it has been observed again and again that the level and the level of performance increase when the ski jump starts at the Schattenbergschanze at the start of the Four Hills Tournament. It just seems to be a stimulating moment for the jumpers when the spectacle begins over four jumps.
The level is rising and you will hardly be forgiven for any mistakes; That’s what happened to me in the first round, where I found the jump a little too late and found myself in 18th place. I stayed with myself, didn’t let it upset me and was able to show a very good and long jump in the second round – my reward: the cheers of the crowds.
And then my personal party began in the leader box. I had really advanced far and was now climbing from rank to rank; With every well-made place the cheering got louder and I simply enjoyed it.
The ten-place catch-up ultimately resulted in 8th place. This means that the goals we set ourselves to start the tour with a top ten placement were fulfilled! The upward trend from Engelberg was confirmed.
You have to pay respect to the Austrians, they had already dominated the qualification with places 1-5, they have now colored the podium completely in red and white and have overcome their underlying fear of the Schattenbergschanze.
Pius Paschke was able to convey his qualities again and is now lying in wait with me. This tour will be exciting, you can already feel the momentum that will affect us all on this ski jump trip.
To stay ahead, you have to remain flawless and this requirement is a challenge for your physical and mental state.
Against this background, we are looking forward to the next stop of the tour in Garmisch, where the second German home hill is located with an equally supportive audience.
The suitcases are packed, the equipment is stowed away and the next jumps are firmly in sight!
Kind regards
Karl Geiger