Declining Interest in Ski Jumping: Broadcast Station Cancels Coverage

Commentator Ayolt Kloosterboer reported that the sports station "NOS" will not be broadcasting the upcoming edition of the Four Hills Tournament. This effectively marks the cancellation of a 70-year tradition. Previously, the Netherlands even had its own representatives in this cycle.

"Due to declining interest in ski jumping in the Netherlands, the decision was made not to air the event," said a representative of NOS.

Despite the seeming decline, the Netherlands has a rich history in ski jumping dating back to Jan Loopuyt, who won the title of World Academic Champion in 1929. In the 21st century, Dutch jumpers such as Ingemar May and Christoph Kreuzer scored points in the World Cup and participated in world championships. Boy van Baarle set a national record in flight with 197 meters in 2005 at Bad Mitterndorf.

The last FIS event featuring a Dutch jumper was Lars Antonissen's 61st place finish in the Continental Cup in 2016. In 1987, Gerrit Konijnenberg made his debut in the Four Hills Tournament. However, this prestigious cycle will not be broadcast this year by the Dutch NOS.