Markus Eisenbichler on His Retirement and the Norwegian Scandal

03.04.2025 • 18:23 Uhr

Emotional, successful, and unique - Markus Eisenbichler. The German ski jumping star speaks in a SPORT1 interview about his tumultuous career, his tearful farewell, and the scandal involving Norway.

The second place in the team jump at Planica was the strong finish to an extraordinary career for Markus Eisenbichler, which brought with it highs, lows, and, above all, a lot of emotion.

In the INTERVIEW with SPORT1, Eisenbichler looks back at the highlights of his career and describes his feelings after his last big jump. The most successful German ski jumper in championship history, who celebrated his 34th birthday on April 3, looks forward to a new phase in life but also expresses concerns about the current state of German ski jumping and how he was shocked by the suit scandal involving the Norwegians. In this context, he addresses a legend.

SPORT1: Mr. Eisenbichler, last weekend marked the end of your long career. How emotional was this farewell for you?

Eisenbichler: Very. It started feeling emotional on Friday, more than I had thought it would be. But I made sure that the focus remained on ski flying. On Saturday, with family and friends present, it became very emotional, and I couldn't hold back a few tears.

SPORT1: You finished second in your last competition. How important was this result for you?

Eisenbichler: It was very important. I told my teammates on Friday that I wanted to finish on the podium one last time. We are all athletes, and the others agreed. Therefore, the focus was on ski flying, to do it well. It was important to do the job first before the emotions came.

SPORT1: The weekend was very emotional. You weren’t the only one with tears - Sven Hannawald, for example, cried. What does it mean to you that your farewell moved so many people?

Eisenbichler: It meant something to me that I left a lasting impression on some people. I just enjoyed the sport. My family's and friends' opinions about me were always the most important to me. I never allowed myself to be affected too much by what was written in the media - I could handle it well. But of course, it makes me happy when so many people share in my emotions and say goodbye in such a heartfelt way.

SPORT1: The party afterwards apparently lasted a long time. Can you still remember everything?

Eisenbichler: It didn’t last as long as I thought it would. Eventually, I felt exhausted. We went out for dinner and I realized that all the pressure was being released. Naturally, I wanted to watch the ski flying the next day. If I had stayed out until 5 in the morning, I wouldn’t have been able to get up. I was in the hotel between 12 and 1, had a nice slumber, and got up at 6:15.

SPORT1: That’s rather early...

Eisenbichler: The head was already buzzing a bit, that was clear. I did have a few more beers than I usually handle. But I told myself it didn’t matter. I just had to deal with it.

Eisenbichler: "I’m fine with my retirement"

SPORT1: Have you realized that your active career is over now? Or does it still take time to sink in?

Eisenbichler: I think it will take a bit of time. I came home on Sunday and went straight to work for the federal police. I still had some things to finish. I couldn’t even look back at the weekend yet, because my days were too full. Once I’m on holiday, I’ll have a moment while skiing in Norway to reflect on what has happened and what lies ahead.

SPORT1: What will you miss the most in your retirement from ski jumping?

Eisenbichler: I will miss the sport itself, the feeling of being in the air, and experiencing the speed. Also, the emotions that come with a good and bad jump. And of course, the teammates. But I’m fine with my retirement. It’ll probably take me a week or two to fully adjust, but once I’ve found my new routine, I know it’ll make me happy.

SPORT1: You mentioned in a previous interview it was a “relief” after announcing your retirement. Do you feel freer now?

Eisenbichler: Yes! I must honestly say yes. When I go training now, I can do what I enjoy. I can go cross-country skiing or hiking in the mountains. I can play football. I can go where I want without feeling guilty about whether it affects my sporting career negatively or that I might strain myself. I’m happy that I can do what I want and what I feel like in my free time.

Eisenbichler: "I can imagine being a TV expert"

SPORT1: You’ve expressed the desire to remain in the ski jumping world and share your experiences with young athletes. Are you crafting concrete plans, or are you enjoying a life outside elite sports for now?

Eisenbichler: I definitely don’t want to just drift; that’s not my type. After my holiday, I will be working at the federal police. However, I can imagine passing on my experiences. I also know that I must first distance myself from ski jumping to have the mindset required for a coaching role. As a coach, one shouldn't be too emotional or overly critical. I know how I am in training. I expect my athletes to perform, and I’ve made mistakes myself. I wouldn’t do either of us a favor in that context. The goal is to help and support the athletes.

SPORT1: Is taking on a coaching role your primary objective now? Alternatively, could you see yourself potentially working as a TV expert?

Eisenbichler: I can certainly see myself as a TV expert, it’s a very exciting field. But I’d need to improve my High German a bit, and that’s challenging for me. I mean, in the interviews people have understood me until now. I’m generally open to many things. You can always try something, and if you don’t like it, then it’s worth a shot. That also applies to coaching. If something isn’t for me, I’m self-reflective and admit it to myself. What matters is that I am content and happy.

SPORT1: Looking ahead, how do you see the future of German ski jumping?

Eisenbichler: It’s not easy. Stephan Leyhe and I are gone. Certainly, we have Wellinger, Paschke, Geiger, Raimund, who are at the top world level. However, there’s a significant gap in youth. I noticed this when I jumped in the Continental Cup. That I am the best in the overall standings with very few jumps makes me concerned. But I’m sure the DSV will find a solution. I hope to help foster some strong athletes again.

Eisenbichler: "With the current configuration, I can't imagine coaching the A-Team"

SPORT1: If you take a coaching role, would you prefer to work with young jumpers or the A-team?
Eisenbichler: Honestly, I can’t imagine working with the current top athletes. I am too close to them; I know them too well. They’ve known me just as long; it will be difficult. It would require me to be prepared, but the athletes must also want it and be ready to take advice from me. I noticed this with other coaches who were jumping with me earlier. It took me time to take them seriously as coaches. I would want to work with youth first to build a foundation. That’s exciting because you can still shape the jumpers. They also see me differently because I’m an athlete who has jumped in the World Cup. I’ve traveled the world with the top athletes, and they know my mistakes and strengths. If I offer them advice they know I haven’t implemented well, that’d be tough.

SPORT1: Reflecting on your career, what was your greatest highlight?

Eisenbichler: It’s hard to choose just one moment. The World Championship in Seefeld was phenomenal, my first World Cup victory in Planica, and certainly the Olympic medal in 2022. But actually, the whole career matters. Starting skiing as a little boy, I’d never have dreamed I could become this good. I initially did it for the joy. I never thought I’d be a world champion or celebrate World Cup wins. I’m pretty proud of my entire career – with all its ups and downs.

SPORT1: Philipp Raimund didn’t compete in the ski flying in Planica - Fear of heights. Are you familiar with that fear?

Eisenbichler: I know the feeling of fear, especially while ski flying in recent years. I’ve always respected every jump, knowing it’s a dangerous sport. One mistake, and you can break something or suffer a serious injury. However, I don’t suffer from acrophobia; I climb mountains and rock climb. If I had acrophobia, I couldn’t do those activities. I've always had respect and awe, but never panic.

Eisenbichler: "I was shocked and angry"

SPORT1: A defining topic in recent weeks has been the suit scandal involving Norwegian ski jumpers. How did you experience these events?

Eisenbichler: This entire scandal is truly a shock. I was outraged and shocked. In a calm moment, I thought about the Norwegians' intentions behind their actions. Ultimately, they simply wanted to perform at their home World Championships and win medals. It’s a prestigious event to have a World Championship at home. From a sports perspective, I understand the desire for excellence at a home World Championship to some extent. However, the way they acted is an absolute disaster. In the end, they faced the consequences and received penalties. Mistakes are human, and I’ve forgiven them. For me, the issue is settled. The FIS committee is addressing the situation. Why are former athletes speaking out, admitting to things that have nothing to do with the current fraud?

SPORT1: You’re referring to Janne Ahonen who recently admitted to cheating during his active career. Would you have preferred he stayed silent?

Eisenbichler: Yes. I love this sport and enjoyed it immensely. Janne Ahonen also loved and enjoyed it. Why does he need to tear down the sport again? Every athlete has pushed the boundaries. But within the acceptable limits. Every athlete knows that, and they’re fine with it.

SPORT1: Does ski jumping have a credibility issue after the scandal?

Eisenbichler: I don’t think so. Other sports have tricksters - like in Formula 1. It’s understood that someone occasionally has a lighter tank or a different wing. I sometimes hear about a disqualification. In ski jumping, it’s different; you have a body that changes day by day. The body isn’t a static thing, just like the suit. The suit is made of foam, flexible, and changes. When you have a suit that's one or two centimeters too big, you won't necessarily jump farther. But of course, everyone pushes the boundary. In the end, ski jumping is what counts; the best jumper usually wins. But sewing a rigid band into the suit was manipulation because the suits were actually cut open.

Eisenbichler: “On my birthday I make sure my mom gets a kiss”

SPORT1: You mentioned a tolerance for changes of one or two centimeters on the suit is acceptable as long as it’s not as fraudulent as in the Norwegians' case?

Eisenbichler: Yes, for me that would be acceptable, because the material is flexible, and the body isn’t always the same. It can happen quickly that the suit is a centimeter too large overnight. You just discuss this with the inspector and can adjust it for the next day or between jumps.

SPORT1: Today is your birthday on April 3. How will you celebrate this special day?

Eisenbichler: I'm looking forward to the annual year-end celebration of the federal police, during which all athletes are honored. This year this event falls exactly on my birthday. But I am also the type who prefers to celebrate quietly with friends over dinner and conversation. What’s especially important to me is this: on my birthday I give my mom a kiss because she brought me into the world.