The World Cup final was the negative highlight of a messed up season for the German ski jumping women. The bad news ran like a common thread through the season. First the sudden departure of coach Maximilian Mechler, then the lack of success and last but not least the serious injury to Luisa Görlich (torn cruciate ligament).
To ensure that the ski jumpers become beacons of light in the German winter team again, the German Ski Association wants to announce the coach for the coming season before the break. The German Ski Association (DSV) explained that the German Ski Association (DSV) had already made great progress on this issue when asked about the sport. However, the personnel are not yet ready for a decision, which is why the DSV remained silent about names and details. The coaching secret should be revealed in April.
Resignation at the most inopportune time
Maximilian Mechler’s sudden farewell shortly before the start of the World Cup in November came out of the blue, at least for outsiders. The 40-year-old had been the national coach of the German ski jumpers since April 2021 and had been quite successful.
Even in the summer there was no sign of a separation. Ex-jumper Mechler, under whose direction Katharina Schmid won Olympic silver and three World Championships gold, completed the entire preparation. Until it wasn’t possible anymore, as Mechler himself said. He pulled the ripcord just two weeks before the start of the World Cup. He no longer reached the team in the way that was necessary in order to continue to achieve the successes achieved so far in the future.
Juffinger – from interim to permanent solution
Thomas Juffinger stepped in. Actually, on an interim basis. In the end, the 31-year-old stayed the entire season and became the permanent solution. He couldn’t give the team wings. “After a good season last year, we started with high expectations. We couldn’t meet them at the beginning. We were too tense,” assessed Juffinger in his conclusion to the season.
Things got a little better in the second half of the season, but “we didn’t really get going,” summed up Juffinger and added: “We need a sensible summer. We will draw the right conclusions and start the season motivated.”
Overall ranking: Schmid as tenth best German
The once successful DSV women regularly sailed well behind the world leaders. As the best German, Schmid ended up in tenth place in the overall ranking. For the exceptional jumper and world champion, it was a frustrating season with no wins and only four podium finishes. “Today my jumping was just as bad as the weather. But it also fits with the whole season. It wasn’t good,” said Schmid after the last World Cup jumping in Planica.
What’s next for Schmid?
The 27-year-old had previously left it open whether she would continue after this winter. “I’m staying at home for now and then going on vacation in May,” explained Schmid after a disappointing season.
