What’s going on for Andreas Wellinger in the coming ski jumping season? A lot, says Martin Schmitt. The “Eurosport” expert sees the top German athlete in his “heyday,” as he reveals in an exclusive interview with sport.de.
Wellinger now seems “extremely mature. He knows exactly what he can do. He knows what’s important in this sport. He also knows about the difficulties and special features of ski jumping – how quickly it can go in one direction or the other,” Schmitt analyzed.
“He has the necessary coolness. That’s why I think he’s ready for anything. His goal will certainly be to have a say in all the big things – be it the overall World Cup, the Four Hills Tournament or the World Championships,” said the 46-year-old, looking at Wellinger’s winter ahead in ski jumping.
“I think these are the best years of his career,” said Schmitt about the 29-year-old. Compared to his 2018 Olympic victory on the normal hill, Wellinger has “another significant advantage in experience”. “Back then he was perhaps a little more carefree. Now, however, he has completely different experiences that he can bring to the table. Overall, he has matured as an athlete and has also improved his athleticism,” said the “Eurosport” expert in sports. de interview.
Schmitt: Wellinger “in his absolute prime”
Schmitt therefore sees Wellinger “in his absolute prime.”
The two-time ski jumping overall World Cup winner noted: “A heyday can also last longer. In ski jumping it is no longer the case that things necessarily go downhill once you are over 30 (years old). There are more and more examples that go far They can deliver absolute top performances beyond their 30s and are among the best in the world. That’s why I wish Andi a long heyday and that his highs continue for a long time.”
Andreas Wellinger finished last season in third place in the overall World Cup behind Stefan Kraft (Austria) and Ryoyu Kobayashi (Japan). At the Four Hills Tournament, only Kobayashi finished ahead of the DSV Adler. At the Ski Flying World Championships on Kulm, Wellinger won silver individually and bronze with the German team.
Source: www.sport.de
