Storm after Polish Ski Jump in Willingen! What Was That?!

Storm after Polish Ski Jump in Willingen! What Was That?! "I Would File a Protest"

Originally published in Przegląd Sportowy Onet on February 01, 2025

Aleksander Zniszczoł, the Polish ski jumper, managed only 122 meters and was unable to advance to the second round of the World Cup competition in Willingen. Just before his jump, the jury inexplicably decided to lower the gate – a decision that lacked any logical justification given the conditions. Immediately after his jump, the gate was raised back to its previous position, adding to the confusion.

Journalist Jakub Balcerski from Sport.pl described the situation on social media, calling it a "crime on Zniszczoł". The incident was especially puzzling because such drastic alterations to the gate setting had not been seen in decades of competition at Willingen. Balcerski even stated that he would formally protest the decision, pointing to an earlier similar incident involving another Polish jumper, Kuba Wolny.

In his brief interview with Eurosport, Zniszczoł himself commented on the situation with characteristic brevity, underscoring how unusual the jury’s decision was. The controversy has ignited a debate over judging consistency in ski jumping, with many calling for clearer and more rational decision-making protocols at future events.

For more details and video coverage of the incident, readers can follow the additional links provided by the publication.