When Stefan Horngacher waves his protégés off the ski jump one last time during ski flying in Planica next weekend, an era will come to an end. The Austrian took over the job as national coach from his compatriot Werner Schuster in 2019 and did not take on an easy inheritance.
Unlike his popular predecessor, Horngacher appeared much more introverted; emotional outbursts over the past seven years can be counted on one hand. His calm, analytical and at the same time open manner was also well received. He also expressed criticism publicly when asked about individual jumpers. Horngacher was by no means conflict-averse.
Horngacher turns Raimund into an Olympic champion
This is what happened, for example, between the national coach and Philipp Raimund before the World Cup last year “really cracked“, as Raimund reported during the Winter Olympics in Italy. The fact that the 25-year-old, of all people, developed into Germany’s model jumper under Horngacher and won gold on the normal hill in Predazzo fits into the picture. After Raimund’s victory, the coach cheered more enthusiastically than ever.
The DSV Adler have had great success under Horngacher. Raimund’s Olympic victory stands out, of course, but the World Cup gold medals in the team in 2021 in Oberstdorf, Karls Geiger’s ski flying title in 2020 and the numerous individual victories in the World Cup by Geiger, Wellinger and Co. also underline Horngacher’s successful work.
Dream of winning the tour remains unfulfilled
However, the experienced expert also failed in a major mission: Horngacher and his jumpers could not overcome the Four Hills Tournament curse either. “That has always been our main focus. This is expected of everyone“he says.”Unfortunately we were unable to meet expectations.“
Since Sven Hannawald’s triumph in 2002, German ski jumpers have been waiting for a victory in the traditional event around the turn of the year. “I hope that my successor can do it“says Horngacher.”I would really wish that for him.“
Horngacher successor – time is running out
However, it is still unclear who will succeed him. DSV sports director Horst Hüttel had a decision for “probably in March” announced, but that probably won’t happen. However, time is of the essence, after all, the new man has to prepare for the new season – and should also create a spirit of optimism. It is no secret that the DSV Eagles have repeatedly had to struggle with fluctuations in performance in recent years.
There are many speculations: from the former Polish coach Thomas Thurnbichler to Horngacher’s former assistant, Grzegorz Sobczyk, to the current women’s national coach Heinz Kuttin.
Either way, the new national coach will primarily be concerned with getting the older jumpers like Andreas Wellinger (30), Geiger (33) and Pius Paschke (35) back into top shape. In addition, young athletes must be gradually integrated into the team in order to be able to carry out the generational change that will occur sooner rather than later without too much friction.
What’s next for Horngacher?
Horngacher sees German ski jumping in a good position despite the overall very mixed season. “The German team will also be very strong next year. I am convinced of that“, says the 56-year-old. According to his own statements, he doesn’t yet know exactly what will happen next for him. But one thing is clear: “I will definitely stay in ski jumping.“In what role exactly, there are several options. What is important for him is to be at home more often.
Before that, he will wave off his protégés with the black, red and gold flag one last time at the season finale in Planica – just as he has done hundreds of times in the past seven years as national ski jumping coach. But “Stef, the boss” doesn’t (yet) feel melancholy: “It was always clear to me: the last day will come at some point“, said Horngacher: “You can’t be the boss forever.“
