Adam Małysz Sparks Controversy; Apoloniusz Tajner Retorts

Adam Małysz Sparks Controversy; Apoloniusz Tajner Retorts

Originally published in Przegląd Sportowy Onet on February 10, 2025

The article opens by reporting that Adam Małysz’s candid comments during the recent broadcast have set off a storm in international ski jumping. Małysz expressed disappointment, stating that he had hoped for more from Alex Stoeckl – the Norwegian director whom he himself had hired – and his remarks quickly reverberated throughout the ski jumping community.

In response, former head of Polish skiing, Apoloniusz Tajner, offered a distinctly different perspective. He noted that while Stoeckl’s influence was indeed limited during the preparatory phase – due in part to his late arrival into coach Thomas Thurnbichler’s camp – his close proximity to the team has allowed for timely consultations and decision-making. Tajner dismissed Małysz’s critique as a minor observation and expressed optimism that, with improved continuity, the Polish jumpers can perform at a level befitting their potential.

The report also reviews the results from the Lake Placid contest, which marked one of the season’s best competitions for the Poles. All team members garnered points with standout performances from Paweł Wąsek (9th place), followed by Jakub Wolny (13th), Aleksander Zniszczol (17th), and Piotr Żyła (19th), while Dawid Kubacki ended in 29th. Although the results are not yet at the level high expectations demand, there are clear signs of progress. Looking forward, the article mentions that qualifications for the normal hill competition – a key event in the upcoming World Championships – will be held in Trondheim on March 1.

Overall, the article captures a moment of internal debate within the Polish ski jumping circle as experienced voices such as Małysz and Tajner offer contrasting views on the current state and prospects of the team.