The next milestone for women’s ski jumping is imminent. As a top Norwegian official has revealed, a new discipline will most likely be introduced at a meeting of the FIS Ski Jumping Committee on Wednesday: ski flying.
A year ago, the Norwegian Ski Jumping Association pushed for the introduction of a ski flying competition for women. However, the team’s plan failed with a bang, as all other nations spoke out against it. In the Norwegian camp, the anger was great afterwards. Above all, the vetoes of the other top nations annoyed the team of superstar Maren Lundby. Now, apparently, there is a reversal.
“I spoke to three colleagues over the weekend, the presidents of the Austrian, German and Slovenian associations. Austria and Germany have confirmed to me that they want to approve our proposal,” Norway’s winter sports president Erik Røste told the “ntb” news agency. He is now “very optimistic” that the committee will approve the introduction of a ski flying competition for women.
“We in Norway have been actively working on this for many years. We think it’s overdue,” added Røste, who among other things held out the prospect of a competition in Vikersund.
Norway has other suggestions
In addition to the introduction of ski flying for women, according to Røste, there are two other important items on the agenda on Wednesday. “Flying is one thing. The second point is that nations that organize men’s ski jumping competitions should also commit to organizing women’s competitions. We believe that this will make the women’s ski jumping product even better.”
As a third point, the Norwegian wants to launch another mini tour. “What we have with the Raw Air Tour in Norway, we also need in Central Europe,” explained Røste, wanting to make this suggestion as well.