"Bares für Rares" Instead of World Championships: Armbruster 'a bit sad'

Nordic combined athlete Nathalie Armbruster reacted with disappointment to ZDF's decision to show the first world championship competition in Trondheim solely via livestream instead of on the main TV channel. Armbruster, who only learned of the decision shortly before the event while having lunch, remarked that the coverage felt more like a regular "Bares für Rares" segment rather than a real battle for world gold. "It’s a World Championship, and it came out as 'Bares für Rares'. Nothing against Horst Lichter, but it would have been great to see us live," she said.

Armbruster, who had a chance at winning the first German medal in the mass start but eventually finished sixth, was particularly upset as the event was broadcast over competing programs, with "Bares für Rares" airing during the cross-country section and "Hallo Deutschland" during the jumping phase. This decision seemed even more painful given that the women’s combined event is currently campaigning for a spot in the program for the 2030 Olympics.

Both Armbruster and the German Ski Association (DSV) called for a move toward more balanced media representation. Head coach Florian Aichinger pointed out that while some good competitions have been broadcast this season, events of such high caliber deserve full live coverage so athletes can properly showcase their performance. DSV board member Stefan Schwarzbach also stressed that a little more sensitivity in scheduling could have made a significant difference, especially when medal chances are at stake.