Austrian Ski Jumping Team Defends Against Cheating Allegations

Austrian Ski Jumping Team Defends Against Cheating Allegations

Originally published in Krone on January 02, 2025

The Austrian ski jumping team, currently excelling in the prestigious Four Hills Tournament, is facing serious allegations of cheating from Norwegian critics. In response to suspicions of unfair advantages, Austrian head coach Andreas Widhölzl strongly declared, "Nonsense! We have nothing to hide." The accusations arose following the team's dominant performances, which have raised eyebrows among competitors. Notably, former jumper Maren Lundby from Norway expressed skepticism, questioning how one nation could perform at such a high level without foul play. Despite external doubts, Widhölzl emphasized that all jumpers are subjected to rigorous technical checks, even suggesting that the perceptions of others stem from envy due to their success. Former jumpers also defended the integrity of the team, asserting that the attention to compliance with regulations has never been higher. As the tournament progresses, the Austrian team remains focused on demonstrating their capabilities on the jump rather than engaging with the controversy surrounding them.