Ski Jumping Chief Misrepresents Reality. The Truth Looks Different

The article begins by reporting that the ski jumping competitions in Lake Placid, USA, were a great success in terms of spectator interest. Despite the apparent high attendance—with a majority of fans waving Polish flags—the World Cup director, Sandro Pertile, offers a contrasting perspective.

Pertile explains that since taking the helm of the World Cup cycle, his priority has been to establish a strong presence in the United States. He views the inclusion of Lake Placid as a huge opportunity for the sport. However, he downplays the significance of the enthusiastic crowds by implying that the overwhelming Polish support is what filled the stands rather than a broad domestic interest in ski jumping.

The article further illustrates this point by recounting the atmosphere under the ski jump, where Polish expatriates gathered to support their compatriots. This supportive environment made the Polish jumpers—Dawid Kubacki, Piotr Żyła, Aleksander Zniszczoł, and Paweł Wąsek—feel particularly celebrated. In an interview with Eurosport, one of these athletes emphasized that the consistent support from Polish fans is something other nations envy.

Additionally, a pre-competition comment from Adam Małysz is cited, in which he remarks that while American athletes are performing well, it is the quality and popularity of Polish ski jumping that truly captivates the audience in the United States.

Overall, the article highlights a surprising twist; although the events in Lake Placid appear to be a major success in attracting a crowd, the reality is that the fervor is largely due to the passion of Polish fans. This dynamic not only emphasizes the strength of the Polish skiing community abroad but also points out that the sport’s popularity in the United States, on the whole, remains modest.