Poland's Coach Identifies Problem in Ski Jumping Team Performance

Poland's Coach Identifies Problem in Ski Jumping Team Performance

Originally published in Przegląd Sportowy on January 25, 2025

In a recent event in Oberstdorf, coach Thomas Thurnbichler explained that the Polish ski jumpers are facing challenges with their center of gravity, leading to poor takeoffs. He noted, "We have a problem with the center of gravity; consequently, the athletes aren't getting the right bounce. The hips are not positioned correctly."

Piotr Żyła, who placed 17th, remarked on his performance, "One jump didn't go as planned, but I’m happy to have participated and feel the thrill of the jumps again. I felt some pressure on my leg, but it is what it is."

The team's top performer, Paweł Wąsek, finished in 35th place, admitting to performance issues stemming from asymmetry during takeoff. "I was too off balance, leading to taking off downward instead of upwards," he explained.

Despite the setbacks, Thurnbichler remains optimistic, noting that Żyła and his teammate, Jakub Wolny, who placed 22nd, have shown promise. "They managed decent jumps but still have room for improvement," he concluded.

The team's focus moving forward will be on stabilizing their takeoff positions to enhance their performance in future competitions. This situation underscores the importance of consistent training and adjustments to achieve optimal results in ski jumping. According to Stoch, who finished 32nd, mastering the takeoff remains crucial to achieving an exciting jump.