Olympia 2022: What the ski jumping scene is rumored to be about the controllers Jukkara and Baczkowska

The controversy about the top rulers in the world federation draws wide circles at the Olympics – during the short break from the ski jumps in Beijing it seethes.

The inspectors had played their part in the ski jumping posse in Monday’s mixed competition with five disqualifications.

How fair can strict rule be?

From Gratzer as FIS chief inspector (1992 to 2021), the athletes in the men’s area were used to a strict regiment. But it was always considered fair and understandable – the jumpers appreciated him. It cannot be ignored when he calls the latest performance of his successor “a disaster”.

Jukkara was officially only responsible for checking the men on Monday, none of whom were disqualified. In the case of women, a woman has to carry out the delicate and sometimes very physical checks – Baczkowska in this case. In the scene, however, it is whispered that the Finn had an influence on the Pole.

“He wasn’t even present when Katharina was checked. However, we know from the other teams that Jukkara was present in the control room during further checks that led to disqualifications. He is said not to have actively measured, but was there as an observer Background. That could have had an impact, otherwise he is not there with the women, “reported the German ski jumping sports director Horst Hüttel in the “Spiegel”.

Jukkara is considered a pedant

“Jukkara is friendly and professional, but of course also a pedant,” describes him Eurosporteditor Natalia Lahtela, who got to know the 58-year-old better in 2017. At that time he was chief of competitions in Lahti. In his youth he was a ski jumper himself, has been inspecting equipment in Finland since 2010 and has also been a technical delegate in international competitions. He has a lot of experience and said when he took office: “An important part will also be communication with the teams and athletes. We have to remember that material control is part of the fairness and safety of the sport.” However, he has apparently not informed any team.

His actions don’t quite fit the picture that the FIS drew of him: “Mika’s character as a team player and communicator, his motivation and the respect that all teams and national federations have will be the key to the success of his work,” it said world association after deciding for him.

The shadow on the sport remains

There are strict rules in ski jumping because larger suits are advantageous. Baczkowska added: “In light of what has happened, we are also working to change or improve the rules.”

What they have already done together is to give the impression that the FIS and they are about following the rules exactly and less about a sense of proportion in a complicated sport. There remains an enormous damage to the image of ski jumping.