Kamil Stoch Bids Farewell to Daniel-André Tande

Kamil Stoch has penned a heartfelt farewell message to his fellow competitor, Daniel-André Tande, who has made the decision to retire from competitive skiing. The Polish ski jumper often found himself in fierce competition with Tande, especially during the memorable 2016/17 season when both contended for victory at the Four Hills Tournament. Their rivalry continued into the 2018 World Championships in ski flying, where they secured the top two spots, with Tande taking first and Stoch coming in second. Stoch's message was warm and personal, stating, "Take care, red brother," a nod to their mutual support for Liverpool FC, affectionately known as "The Reds."

In a poignant interview, Tande revealed the reasons behind his retirement: "The barrier I've faced since Planica is a bit too big for me to perform at the level I know. The fear became greater than the joy of ski jumping." Tande experienced a traumatic injury in 2021, following a fall during a competition in Planica that left him with a broken collarbone and a punctured lung. This incident marked a turning point in his career, as he struggled to regain his former prowess.

Stoch reflected on the privilege of competing alongside Tande, wishing him the very best for his future endeavors. He noted the significance of their rivalry, with special emphasis on their thrilling encounters throughout the Four Hills Tournament and Tande's remarkable achievements in the sport. Tande's illustrious career includes winning an Olympic team championship, claiming four gold medals at the ski flying World Championships, and earning a place on the podium 27 times in World Cup events.