Norwegian Ski Jumpers React to Prediction That 'Jumping Sport Will Die in Ten Years': ‘We Need to Make a Drastic Choice’

NRK's ski jumping expert Johan Remen Evensen predicts that ski jumping may be dead within a decade if drastic measures aren't taken. Several athletes from the Norwegian national team agree that changes are needed to sustain interest in the sport. Johann André Forfang states that sport needs to appeal more to the public, suggesting that simplifying the rules and enhancing visibility would help. Likewise, Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal echoes the sentiment, stressing that ski jumping is becoming too complicated for new audiences to understand, which endangers its popularity.

Evensen has also pointed out the decline in viewership, with reports indicating that Norwegian ski jumping has lost about a third of its audience over the past season. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Forfang remarks that while ski jumping remains exciting, it needs restructuring to prevent fading into obscurity. He expresses the hope that the changes could promote growth and longevity within the sport.

As they prepare for competitions in the World Championships, Norwegian athletes like Marius Lindvik also share these concerns about the sport's viability and call for innovations that could reinvigorate interest among the youth and less experienced audiences. Lindvik stresses that skiing must evolve to remain relevant. He emphasizes the importance of attracting and retaining young talent to ensure the sport's future survival.

The upcoming events will be crucial in determining the direction of ski jumping in Norway and whether the proposed changes will be implemented effectively to sustain its popularity.