Even in the Oberstdorf House, the fans pressed their noses. They stood crowded together outside the huge windows to see Andreas Wellinger. He sat on the press podium with Stefan Kraft and once again talked about his two jumps and all the emotions that were associated with them on this magical evening. “It’s just incredibly cool what happened today,” said the beaming Wellinger. “And then in front of this backdrop.”
It was a perfect stage on which the best ski jumpers in the world could do their flying work. 25,500 spectators – record. Opening winner Wellinger – unique. Never before had the 28-year-old Olympic champion had such a good start at the Four Hills Tournament. Finally the big coup in one of the four individual competitions. “The fans, the atmosphere, everything around it – you can’t put it into words,” said Wellinger – and his broad laugh just wouldn’t end.
“Andi jumped world class”
Anyone who was there live on December 29th will not forget it. And certainly not Wellinger’s first jump, which took him up to 139.5 meters with the best distance of the day. A jump like never before. “Andi jumped world-class,” enthused Stefan Horngacher, followed by a word that the national coach almost never utters: “Crazy.”
A textbook jump. Even when Wellinger was in the running lane and picking up speed, there was no jerking, no wobbling. Then the jump. Perfectly hit. Wellinger catapulted his body into the air, stretched and got into his flying position. A movement that has been automated and rehearsed again and again over the years. Also in the air: No corrections, no impairments, nothing.
Wellinger flew like a bird through the Oberstdorf evening sky. The fans were thrilled and waved their German flags wildly. Later, when this wonderful competition was over and Wellinger’s opening victory was perfect, the entire stadium sang the national anthem with fervor. The deeply moved and touched winner could hardly believe his luck. “My first World Cup victory in front of a home crowd: That’s the best thing you can experience as a German athlete.”
Karl Geiger was the last member of the German flight artist crew to have this happen to him. That was 2020. At that time, however, Corona also dominated everyday sporting life. The arena was empty. The spectators sat at home on their television sets and marveled at how the Oberstdorfer had finally achieved the feat of triumphing on the home hill.
The fair sportsman was able to get over the fact that Geiger came seventh directly behind the strong jumping team junior Philipp Raimund. “It was an incredible atmosphere today. We have a German victory. “What more could you want,” said the Allgäu native – and, together with his other colleagues, joined in the national anthem in Wellinger’s honour.
Oberstdorf kept what was promised from the opening competition of the prestigious Four Hills Tournament. The five-member German team, which has been jumping strongly since the start of the World Cup, is now in good shape. Pius Paschke came eleventh, Stephan Leyhe came 24th in the final rankings.
