Hüttel on Skijumper Paschke: "We've never had this before"

Hüttel on Skijumper Paschke: "We've never had this before"

Interview

Sportschau: Mr. Hüttel, how excited are you about the Four Hills Tournament?

Hüttel: We are always excited. I see it as a privilege to participate in such an event with our team. Especially in times like these, which are challenging for many people, we are happy to bring a bit of variety into homes. Of course, this winter also provides us enough reasons to look forward to the tournament from a sporting perspective.

Sportschau: Pius Paschke leads the DSV team with currently five seasonal victories. Are you sometimes surprised at how strong he is performing this winter?

Hüttel: The whole story of Pius is indeed something special. I have been in this role in the association for 16 years - and we have never seen it like this before: An athlete strives for many years, trying to achieve everything, but it is only at 34 that certain things come together. Although one must also say that he has been very good in recent years and even exceptional at times. But the current consistency is impressive.

Sportschau: What do you attribute to his performance increase?

Hüttel: I believe there’s a certain maturation process at play. He has surrounded himself with people who help him in various areas. In addition, he became a father last year, which helps him enormously; he is very 'settled' now. Co-coach Andreas Mittler, who lives not far from him in Salzburg, has significantly contributed to this. Many factors have played a part. But at the center, it’s really about him. As an association, we can provide framework conditions, but the athlete must seek their own path. And something has happened with him.

Sportschau: Do you worry that with all the success he might overthink during the Four Hills Tournament and stumble?

Hüttel: No, we don't fear that. We are, of course, aware of the unique attention and challenges posed by the tournament. It will be interesting to see how he and his surroundings respond to it. But fear is never a good companion. It will be as it will be. We will do everything we can to keep his momentum going. And on January 6, we'll know more (the tournament ends on January 6).

Sportschau: What do you expect from the other athletes in the team?

Hüttel: Secondly, we need to mention Andy Wellinger. He has already won a World Cup event this season and was actually the dominant athlete in the team over the summer and fall. He should definitely be taken into account. Karl Geiger has also already made it to the podium this season. Pius is not alone; we are well positioned. Not as well as Austria, who have a more compact team and can rely on more athletes. Nevertheless, we find ourselves in a good and comfortable position.

Sportschau: Is it an advantage for Andreas Wellinger not to be in such much focus this year?

Hüttel: He has to take the situation as it is. Of course, he would prefer to be in the position that Pius is currently in. But he is handling it really well, accepting and respecting Pius's performances. We have a great team atmosphere. Whether the less attention is an advantage or disadvantage is hard to say. I wouldn't see it as a disadvantage that he now has more calm leading up to it than he would have had if he had secured five victories.

Sportschau: Their successes highlight the camaraderie among the jumpers. Is this a sign of team unity?

Hüttel: Absolutely. This has really grown tremendously this year. Regardless of whether we win the tournament or not: it’s an absolute pleasure to work with this team because there’s a great energy and willingness to support each other. This includes not just the athletes but also the physiotherapists and team doctor. It’s really been successful in pursuing a common goal with great harmony. These are aspects that must grow; they cannot be artificially induced in the team - and of course, Stefan Horngacher (the ski jumpers’ coach) has a significant part in this.

Source: Interview compiled from various statements made by Horst Hüttel regarding the current form of skijumper Pius Paschke and his team's dynamics ahead of the Four Hills Tournament.