Ski jumping
Violinist before the start of the tour: “Go in with a broad chest”
Karl Geiger ends up in second place in the qualification. Photo
© Daniel Karmann/dpa
First place Wellinger, second place Geiger: The German ski jumpers got in the mood for the start of the tour in the qualification. There is great hope that a winless streak will end.
The German ski jumpers go into the first competition of the Four Hills Tournament full of anticipation and very self-confident. The impressive qualification with the victory of Andreas Wellinger, second place Karl Geiger and Philipp Raimund’s fourth place caused additional euphoria – and not just in the magnificently filled spectator stands.
“That’s what defines us right now. We’re moving forward as a team,” said Wellinger. “We are on a very good path.” The top German jumpers would have to “stand on their own feet” if the start of the tour failed.
Today the hunt for the golden eagle begins in the arena on Schattenberg, which is sold out with 25,000 spectators. The hope that, 22 years after Sven Hannawald’s triumph, a German will once again make it to the top of the podium is higher than it has been for a long time.
“We can go in confidently and with a broad chest,” said local hero Geiger – even if he doesn’t sound quite as euphoric as Wellinger. “It was definitely important to get in well,” said the 30-year-old after qualifying. “I wouldn’t call it a broken knot yet. Tomorrow we’ll all start with zero points.”