The disqualification of Slovenian Timi Zajc at the start of the Four Hills Tournament was met with approval among ski jumpers.
“You can see that no one is spared. If something doesn’t fit, then it doesn’t fit.”said national coach Stefan Horngacher. Philipp Raimund, fifth in Oberstdorf, said: “I think it’s good that we’re pushing hard.”
Three millimeters too much
Mathias Hafele, chief inspector of the world association, disqualified second-placed Zajc after the competition because his suit was three millimeters too big on the leg. As a result, Felix Hoffmann, among others, ended up in third place instead of fourth. Horngacher welcomed the tough decision: “Then there are the consequences. That’s why it’s important that we always have our things together.”
The Slovenians also accepted the decision. “It was remeasured several times, now we no longer have a chance. Unfortunately we have to accept that, we can’t change anything about it. I’m sorry for Timi. He had finally found his form”said head coach Robert Hrgota.
Teammate and day’s winner Domen Prevc saw it similarly: “We’re all operating at the limit, something can go wrong quickly. I hope that Timi doesn’t let that discourage him.”
Disqualifications not uncommon
The strict controls, like the stricter suit rules, are a reaction to the manipulation scandal at the World Cup in March. At that time, however, the case was different; members of the Norwegian team had sewn banned material into several suits that night.
“Normal” disqualifications like Zajc’s on Monday are more common – for men it was the 19th this winter. However, it was the first time it hit a top jumper.