“Also for Godchildren” - Ski Jumpers in Title Hunt: "Desire for More!"

“Also for Godchildren” - Ski Jumpers in Title Hunt: "Desire for More!"

With silver in hand, the Austrian ski jumpers are bolstered as they look towards future tasks at the Nordic World Championships in Trondheim. In the team event on Saturday, only the local favorites from Norway were too strong, with the ÖSV quartet feeling a great relief after a disappointing individual jump the day before. "I am very, very proud of the others," said Eva Pinkelnig contentedly after claiming her fifth World Championship silver.

Together with Jacqueline Seifriedsberger, Lisa Eder, and Julia Mühlbacher, Pinkelnig managed to overtake the title defenders from Germany in the second round. The joy of the second place quickly outweighed the frustration of missing out on the gold medal. "It feels very good. We are world vice-champions," said head coach Bernhard Metzler.

Now, the women will transition to the larger championship hill at Granåsen Ski Center, with the next competitions set for Wednesday in the mixed team category and Friday for the individual event. The ÖSV women were never quite able to get it right on the small hill during the championship, with Pinkelnig being the best Austrian in the individual event on Friday in seventh place. "The large hill has a different rhythm; the game starts all over again," emphasized Metzler.

Eder, shortly after winning her first medal at a major event, expressed some disappointment at the color of the medal. "We will surely celebrate, and have a party. But not too much, as the focus is on the large hill. We can only fully realize it once we have the medal," said the Salzburg native.

Pinkelnig Gifts Godchildren

The medal will be awarded to the ÖSV quartet on Sunday evening in the city center of Trondheim. "That will be really cool; the Medal Plaza will go wild because the Norwegian girls have won," said Pinkelnig with anticipation. "Now we will even have our names engraved; that’s something very special." The 36-year-old Vorarlberger conducted her interviews with the championship mascot Snedi in front of her chest, which she received at the Flower Ceremony shortly before.

And she hopes more will come for her three godchildren. "Now I just have to make sure to jump well in the next two competitions to receive two more," she said with a laugh. As of now, only Ida gets a present, while Lotta and Freya will have to wait.

Seifriedsberger Optimistic

Mühlbacher was also satisfied after her second World Championship silver, even though "more was definitely possible." "You have to get a medal at a World Championship, it isn't always an easy task. I'm excited for the large hill and the few days off to reflect on it," said the 20-year-old. Seifriedsberger, after her sixth World Championship medal, the fifth in silver, also felt relieved. "That feels very good. My jumps were better again. It makes me eager for more."