Surprising leader in Ski Jumping speaks out. He already has a plan B.

Surprising leader in Ski Jumping speaks out. He already has a plan B.

Pius Paschke has astounded the ski jumping world with his remarkable form at the start of the season. With a commanding lead in the overall cup standings of 220 points over Daniel Tschofenig, he stands as the primary favorite for the Four Hills Tournament. Notably, his profession as a police officer keeps him less recognized in Germany compared to his Polish counterparts.

Reflecting on his career, Paschke states, "For seven months a year I am a ski jumper and for five months a policeman. When my ski jumping career comes to an end, I will have a stable job waiting for me." This dual identity has garnered attention to his career, especially after becoming the oldest leader in World Cup history at age 34.

Despite being familiar to Polish fans for years, Paschke's recent performance has enlightened the Polish media and fans about his achievements.

Having achieved many accolades, including a gold medal at the 2021 World Championships, Paschke acknowledges: "While I enjoy the sport, the travel can be exhausting. I cope because it is necessary, but ideally, I would enjoy ski jumping even more without the constant traveling." He emphasizes the importance of mental strength amidst high expectations, especially with Germany awaiting its first triumph in the Four Hills Tournament in 24 years.

Additionally, Paschke admires the accomplishments of Ryoyu Kobayashi, particularly after witnessing his breathtaking jump, which, although unofficial, reached 291 meters. “That was astonishing. I watched it with the awe of a child, waiting eagerly for more footage,” he expressed.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming competitions, Paschke manages both pressure and motivation with grace, showcasing his dual identity in the competitive arena of ski jumping.