World’s Leading Ski Jumper Not Heading to World Championships: An Unprecedented Situation

The article details an unprecedented situation in the world of ski jumping. Despite being a world champion, the 39‐year‐old Manuel Fettner has been assigned only a reserve status for the World Championships in Trondheim. This decision was not due to a decline in form; rather, his competitors are simply outperforming him at this point in the season.

Austrian coach Andreas Widhoelzl has opted for a team composed of athletes who are currently leading the overall World Cup rankings. The selected members to represent Austria on the Norwegian hill at Granåsen are Daniel Tschofenig, Jan Hoerl, Stefan Kraft, Maximilian Ortner, and Michael Hayboeck. Fettner, ranked 19th in the general classification, would only be called up if one of the chosen athletes withdraws at the last minute.

The article also notes that, in contrast to a strong Austrian team, prospects for a podium finish from the Polish side appear slim. Even though ski jumper Paweł Wąsek might have the potential to surprise, any medal for him would be considered a major upset in this highly competitive field.

With the World Championships scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 9 in Trondheim, the event promises a series of individual, mixed, and team competitions that underline the intensity and prestige of international ski jumping.