The Austrians dominated the first World Cup competition of the new season virtually at will. Daniel Tschofenig, Jan Hörl and Stefan Kraft took the first three places in Lillehammer on Saturday. The first speculations immediately flare up that the ÖSV Eagles, who missed the podium in the second competition on Sunday, were not doing well.
“Yes. That’s the simple answer,” said former Norwegian ski jumper and TV expert Johan Remen Evensen to “NRK” when asked whether Austria’s performances were causing unrest and speculation: “When a nation is so dominant, it is clear that there will be rumors and speculation in the scene again. That’s how it has always been in ski jumping.”
He didn’t want to claim “that they’re cheating,” the 40-year-old immediately added, but: “But nobody can deny that they’re exceptionally good at what they do. What we see is that they ski jump well. And we just have to admire that. Austria is an extremely strong ski jumping nation.”
Ski jumping: Chief controller reacts to allegations
According to “sport.pl”, some press representatives from Norway went much further and were said to have actually ambushed the FIS inspectors after the start on Saturday in order to provide alleged photo evidence that the material used by the ÖSV eagles did not comply with all standards. Stefan Kraft’s suit in particular is said to have been significantly too airy.
However, there was no official protest from the competition or an investigation. “In the case of Kraft, there is nothing to discuss. No protest was lodged,” emphasized FIS chief controller Mathias Hafele when asked by the Polish online portal. There are therefore no signs of fraud or violation of the rules.
It’s a similar story for Tschofenig, who moved the zipper of his suit in front of the camera – something that can lead to a disqualification under certain circumstances. “Touching the suit is allowed, but you are not allowed to pull it down or move it,” the Austrian explained the adjusted rules.
“The most important thing is whether he was able to change the position of the suit, and looking at this video I can’t say that clearly,” Hafele said.