Polish Ski Jumping Welcomes Star Coach: A Major Transfer

In a surprising turn of events, Alexander Stoeckl, a leading figure in Austrian ski jumping coaching, has been appointed as the sports director for ski jumping and Nordic combined by the Polish Ski Association. This strategic move was spearheaded by Adam Małysz, who has been a longstanding advocate for Stoeckl’s involvement despite the coach's controversial exit from his previous position with the Norwegian team.

Stoeckl, who played a pivotal role in the Norwegian team's remarkable achievements during his 13-season tenure, will now focus on developing a comprehensive training and growth strategy within Poland's sports schools. He is expected to bring his expertise to the national teams and oversee the execution of their training plans. His contract extends until the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Olympic season, with an official introduction set for September prior to the FIS Grand Prix event in Wisła.

The anticipation surrounding Stoeckl's appointment has been building for months, with Małysz and Wojciech Gumny reportedly in discussions to secure his services. Małysz believes that someone of Stoeckl's exceptional caliber is essential for Poland to realize its aspirations in ski jumping. Even though Stoeckl enjoyed considerable success in Norway, his departure was stained by allegations and conflicts, a reality not uncommon in the high-pressure world of elite sports coaching.