Ski jumping national coach Stefan Horngacher is quitting after the upcoming Olympic season.
Ski jumping national coach Stefan Horngacher is quitting after the coming Olympic season. The German Ski Association (DSV) confirmed this on Wednesday in Nuremberg.
The Austrian took office in 2019 as the successor to his compatriot Werner Schuster. “It’s come full circle for me. This will be my last season as national coach”said Horngacher.
Waiting for victory on the tour
The highlights of Horngacher’s tenure so far have been the team gold at the 2021 home World Championships in Oberstdorf and Karl Geiger’s individual title at the 2020 Ski Flying World Championships in Planica. The German ski jumpers have not yet achieved the hoped-for victory in the Four Hills Tournament, even under Horngacher.
The 56-year-old native of the Black Forest was the Polish head coach before moving to DSV and himself a world champion as a jumper.
Hüttel: “I have to let it sink in first”
“I think it’s important that I communicate this before the start of the season so that there are no critical questions during it – this makes it easier for the athletes too.”Horngacher explained the surprising announcement of his upcoming withdrawal.
According to DSV sports director Horst Hüttel, there are still no concrete plans as to who will succeed Horngacher. “I have to let it sink in a bit first. That came as a bit of a surprise to me too”said Hüttel. The 57-year-old added that it will be about finding a long-term solution for the future.
However, the DSV already has possible successors in its ranks. Thomas Thurnbichler, previously head coach in Poland, only moved to Germany in April. The Austrian will take over the B squad at DSV next winter. Former Swiss national coach Ronny Hornschuh is also at the head of the C squad. And Horngacher? It was still too early to retire, he said: “It’s not enough to put your feet up yet. There are also other jobs in the German Ski Association. We’ll have discussions and see where the journey takes us.”