Wellinger Makes Special Return to Wisla

Wellinger’s Special Return

Before the World Cup weekend in Poland, two-time Olympic ski jumping champion Andreas Wellinger is brimming with confidence and has special memories associated with the venue.

Andreas Wellinger currently holds the hill record in Wisla, has won there before, and just triumphed in Kuusamo: "Wisla is rightly a staple in the World Cup calendar and always worth a trip for me personally," said the Bavarian ahead of the individual competitions on Saturday and Sunday.

Back in January 2014, Wellinger, at just 18 years old, claimed his first of now eight World Cup victories on the Malinka hill. His last visit in January 2024 saw him finish third, improving the hill record to 144.5 meters during the Super Team competition.

Wellinger Aiming for Kuusamo Form

"I hope to replicate my performances from Kuusamo and deliver long jumps," said Wellinger, who is also excited about the numerous fans present: "The atmosphere in Poland in general and in Wisla in particular is always something special. The spark quickly ignites when the audience passionately and enthusiastically cheers every single jumper."

Wellinger isn't the only DSV eagle with good memories of Wisla. Karl Geiger, Stephan Leyhe, and Markus Eisenbichler have also made it onto the podium at the Malinka hill. Pius Paschke, however, finished seventh in 2021 as his only Top Ten result there.

As a two-time season winner and holder of the yellow jersey, Paschke is hoping for more this time. "I’m really looking forward to jumping in Wisla, which I enjoyed even before its renovation. Now, after the renovation, I like it even more. Combined with the great atmosphere in the stadium and positive memories from 2017, when I finished twelfth at the World Cup opener, I always love going there," he stated.