German Ski Jumping Team Secures Bronze in Trondheim, Adding to Medal Haul
The German women’s ski jumping team continued their strong performance at the World Championships in Trondheim, Norway, securing a bronze medal in the team event. This marks their second medal in as many competitions, showcasing the depth and talent within the German squad. The team, comprised of Juliane Seyfarth, Katharina Schmid, Agnes Reisch, and Selina Freitag, narrowly missed out on defending their title but delivered a commendable performance to claim third place. The gold medal went to the home favorites, the Norwegian team, while Austria secured the silver.
For Selina Freitag, the successful World Championship days are set to continue, following her individual silver medal win the previous day, where she finished behind Slovenia’s Nika Prevc. The team event, introduced at the 2019 World Championships in Seefeld, Austria, remains a strong suit for the German team. With the exception of the 2021 home World Championships in Oberstdorf, where they went empty-handed, the German team has consistently medaled in the team event, securing two gold medals and now a bronze.
Katharina Schmid, known as Katharina Althaus before her marriage, has been a constant presence in the German team’s success. She was part of all three medal-winning teams, highlighting her consistency and leadership within the squad. The 28-year-old now boasts an impressive seven World Championship titles, placing her just behind ski jumping legend Thomas Morgenstern, who holds the record for the most gold medals with eight. Schmid still has the opportunity to surpass Morgenstern’s record in Trondheim, adding an extra layer of excitement to her remaining competitions.
Juliane Seyfarth (2019) and Selina Freitag (2023) have both experienced team gold glory in the past, bringing valuable experience and confidence to the team dynamic. Agnes Reisch, who has risen to prominence on the World Cup circuit this winter, celebrated her first World Championship medal with her teammates. Speaking during the competition, Reisch expressed her determination and enjoyment. "I am much more determined today, trying to jump freely and have fun," she said. Her first jump of 99.5 meters demonstrated her improved form and composure. In the individual event, she finished tenth, a promising result for the young jumper.
The first part of the World Championships in Trondheim concluded on a positive note for the German ski jumpers, especially after they faced an initial setback with a serious injury. Luisa Görlich suffered a severe knee injury during the qualification for the individual event on Thursday. Despite her injury, Görlich remained a supportive presence, cheering on her teammates from the sidelines. Speaking to ZDF, she said she was doing "quite well under the circumstances." She added, "The rest will be determined after the MRI." Görlich is scheduled to depart on Sunday.
Looking ahead, the men’s individual competition is next on the agenda, followed by the events on the large hill. The mixed team event is scheduled for Wednesday, and the second individual competition will take place on Friday, providing further opportunities for the German team to add to their medal tally.
The German ski jumping team’s success in Trondheim is a testament to their dedication, training, and team spirit. Head coach Heinz Kuttin has cultivated a strong and cohesive team environment, allowing each jumper to perform at their best. The blend of experienced veterans like Schmid and Seyfarth with rising stars like Reisch and Freitag creates a dynamic and competitive team.
The victory of the Norwegian team on home soil demonstrated their own prowess and the passion for ski jumping within the country. Norway consistently produces world-class ski jumpers, and their dominance in the team event underscored their strength. The Austrian team’s silver medal further solidified the competitive landscape of women’s ski jumping, with several nations vying for top honors.
The individual performances of the German jumpers also deserve recognition. Freitag’s silver medal in the individual event showcased her individual talent and potential. Schmid’s consistent performances and leadership have been crucial to the team’s success. Seyfarth’s experience and composure have been valuable assets, and Reisch’s breakthrough season has added another dimension to the team’s capabilities.
The focus now shifts to the remaining events in Trondheim, where the German team will aim to continue their medal-winning form. The mixed team event presents a unique opportunity for the German team to showcase their strength in both men’s and women’s ski jumping. The individual events on the large hill will provide further chances for the German jumpers to compete for individual glory.
The injury to Luisa Görlich served as a reminder of the risks involved in ski jumping. The close-knit nature of the German team was evident in their support for Görlich, and her presence on the sidelines demonstrated her unwavering commitment to her teammates.
The World Championships in Trondheim have been a thrilling spectacle for ski jumping fans, with intense competition and memorable performances. The German ski jumping team has played a prominent role in the excitement, securing medals and captivating audiences with their skill and determination. The team’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes, coaches, and support staff.
As the World Championships continue, the German team will undoubtedly remain a force to be reckoned with, aiming to add to their medal haul and cement their place among the elite ski jumping nations. Their performance in Trondheim has already demonstrated their strength and resilience, and they are well-positioned to achieve further success in the remaining competitions. The anticipation is high as the athletes prepare for the challenges ahead, fueled by their passion for the sport and their desire to represent their country with pride.
