Mika Kojonkoski Raises Alarm About Ski Jumping: "I Think This Is Our Last Chance"

Mika Kojonkoski raises alarm bells regarding the future of ski jumping, suggesting that the recent controversies could mark the last chance for the sport to reclaim its integrity.

As a former head coach of the Norwegian ski jumping team, Kojonkoski now serves as the head of the jump committee for the International Ski Federation (FIS). He believes significant changes are necessary, particularly concerning the athletes' jump suits.

Kojonkoski voiced his concerns during a recent interview, emphasizing the urgent need for clear and enforceable regulations to restore fairness in the sport. He proposed that athletes should use standard suits, which would be maintained by FIS outside of competitions. This approach aims to level the playing field and prevent further instances of manipulation.

In light of the troubling conduct recently revealed involving Norwegian jumpers, Kojonkoski states, "This is indeed a unique moment for the sport. We must demonstrate that we can adhere to ethical standards and maintain integrity in ski jumping." He previously pointed to the increasing complexity of rules and expressed a desire to simplify them significantly.

During the interview, Kojonkoski remarked, "There has been dramatic evolution over the decades. In my heyday, we managed with just a few suits per season, unlike today when much focus is on equipment manipulation. Today’s situation needs some clear rules to prevent further issues."

Discussions around potential regulatory changes are ongoing, as the FIS Equipment Committee prepares for meetings ahead of the upcoming competitions in Planica.

Athletes involved in the sport shared their skepticism about the current regulations and voiced that while some attempts at regulation may seem simplistic, finding a balance remains essential. The topic has emerged as a pressing concern within the skiing community, as many athletes and coaches push for a return to basic standards in equipment regulation, emphasizing the importance of fair competition and the sport's future.

Into the future, Kojonkoski and other advocates urge everyone involved in ski jumping to work collaboratively towards practical solutions, ensuring that the sport remains exciting, fair, and accessible to all participants in the long term.