The Slovenian Ski Jumper Timi Zajc Summoned for His Conduct After Marking in Willingen

During Friday’s mixed team event in Willingen – which Norway won – Slovenian ski jumper Timi Zajc became the center of attention during the final round. After being disqualified in the first round for his suit, Zajc responded in a way that many found peculiar.

According to Eirin Maria Kvandal, a Slovenian competitor, Zajc overreacted by lifting his arms demonstratively after landing – as if to ‘lift’ his suit – before leaving the landing area with his shoulders raised. This unusual gesture sparked laughter among the Viaplay commentators. Viaplay’s expert Andreas Stjernen explained that such a move was simply meant to adjust the suit so it would meet the measurement requirements, although it clearly caught everyone off guard.

Zajc expressed his frustration in the post-round interview, criticizing that the suit, which had passed on five previous occasions, was now disqualified. He argued that his team had performed well enough to qualify for the second round even without his points, which is why he still had to jump with the same suit – a situation he described as a “circus.”

After the event, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) confirmed in a press release that Zajc had attended a meeting with race director Sandro Pertile, equipment controller Christian Kathol, and Slovenia’s coach Robert Hrgota. In that meeting, Zajc apologized and assured that such behavior would not happen again, a statement that FIS accepted without further sanctions.

The incident has provoked broader debate. The Slovenian ski federation has hinted at the possibility of legal action against FIS, arguing that recent equipment control decisions – including Zajc’s disqualification – have been inconsistent. Norwegian experts, while sympathetic to the frustration of an athlete in a team event, maintain that such reactions should remain within acceptable bounds.

In addition to the drama surrounding Zajc, Norwegian jumper Eirin Maria Kvandal enjoyed a successful weekend in Willingen, having contributed to victory in both the team and individual events. Zajc eventually placed 13th in the individual competition, and he is scheduled to defend his World Championship title in Trondheim on March 9.