End of an Era: Polish Coach Makes Decision That Worries Kamil Stoch and Piotr Żyła

Coach Thomas Thurnbichler announced after the competitions in Wisła that a significant change is inevitable for the Polish ski jumpers. Kamil Stoch or Piotr Żyła, both champions and symbols of Polish ski jumping, will lose their place in the team for the next World Cup. Stoch and Żyła finished in the 33rd and 35th places on Saturday and the 25th and 26th positions on Sunday, far below their usual standards.

With five spots available for the World Cup and new talents like Aleksander Zniszczoł, Paweł Wąsek, and Dawid Kubacki performing well, Stoch and Żyła find themselves competing for the last spot in the team.

In an interview, Żyła humorously acknowledged his long absence from the Continental Cup, stating he hasn't participated in it for eight years. Stoch's last appearance was even longer ago, in 2010. Nonetheless, both veterans indicated they would accept the coach's decisions regarding their participation in lower-tier competitions if necessary.

Both skiers expressed optimism about continuing in their careers, despite the challenges they face as they transition to potentially less favorable roles within the national team. Their dedication to the sport remains evident as they express a desire to perform at their best, regardless of the circumstances ahead.

The situation marks a pivotal moment in Polish ski jumping, as these two icons face the reality of their changing positions within the team.