That's Why Kamil Stoch Isn’t Going to the World Championships

The article, dedicated to ski jumping, opens with an explanation from Austrian coach Thomas Thurnbichler: "I informed Kamil about the decision and told him to continue his training," he said, clarifying why Kamil Stoch will not be part of the team for the World Championships.

Poland’s team for the championships in Trondheim will include Paweł Wąsek, Aleksander Zniszczoł, Dawid Kubacki, Jakub Wolny, and Piotr Żyła. This decision marks the first time in over 20 years that Stoch will miss the world championships (his debut was in 2005 in Oberstdorf). Previously, he has earned a gold medal in Predazzo (2013) and a silver in Seefeld (2019).

Currently, Stoch is placed 36th in the overall World Cup standings with 88 points. Despite competing last weekend in Sapporo—where he finished 22nd and 16th—his results did not convince Thurnbichler, whose selection was based on the World Cup ranking and the season's best individual performance.

Thurnbichler added, "Stoch may still qualify for the team for the final part of the season." He emphasized that the coaching staff aimed to create an environment free from unwarranted internal rivalry, as the inherent stress of a major event is already considerable. Additionally, he mentioned that Piotr Żyła, as the defending champion on the small hill, earned his spot in the team.

The World Championships in classic ski jumping in Trondheim will commence on Wednesday, February 26 and continue until March 9. The first men’s individual competition (HS105) is scheduled for Sunday, March 2 at 17:15. This will be followed by the mixed team event (HS138) on Wednesday at 16:15, the men’s team event (HS138) on Thursday at 17:00, and finally, the men’s individual large hill competition will begin at 16:00 on Saturday, March 8.