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The Future of Polish Ski Jumping: “If Someone Says Otherwise, They Are Wrong”
Polish ski jumping has experienced both triumphs and setbacks over the years. With legends like Adam Małysz and Kamil Stoch bringing Poland to the forefront of the sport, the nation has enjoyed a golden era. However, recent seasons have raised concerns about the future. Many are questioning whether Poland can remain a powerhouse or if its dominance is fading.
A Challenging Transition Period
For years, Poland benefited from a strong generation of jumpers, including Stoch, Dawid Kubacki, and Piotr Żyła. Their successes led to Olympic medals, World Cup victories, and an unprecedented level of consistency. However, as these athletes age, a generational shift is inevitable. Finding replacements who can compete at the highest level is proving to be a challenge.
One of the biggest concerns is the lack of young athletes consistently delivering top results. While names like Aleksander Zniszczoł and Paweł Wąsek show promise, they have yet to establish themselves among the world’s elite. Developing young talent takes time, but Poland cannot afford a long rebuilding phase if it wants to stay competitive.
Structural and Coaching Changes
A key factor influencing Poland’s future in ski jumping is the coaching staff. After years of success under Austrian coach Stefan Horngacher, the transition to Michal Doležal and later Thomas Thurnbichler has not been without difficulties. The team has struggled with form and consistency, raising doubts about the effectiveness of training methods.
However, changes take time to bear fruit. Thurnbichler, a young and ambitious coach, has introduced new training philosophies aimed at improving technique and adapting to the ever-evolving sport. While immediate results may not be visible, his approach could lay the foundation for future success.
Moreover, Poland’s infrastructure and support system remain strong. The country has modern training facilities, a dedicated federation, and passionate fans who continue to fuel interest in the sport. If the right decisions are made at the developmental level, Poland’s ski jumping program can remain among the world’s best.
The Importance of Patience
Ski jumping is a cyclical sport, and even the strongest nations experience ups and downs. Germany, Austria, and Norway have all faced transitional periods but managed to bounce back. Poland is now going through a similar phase, and while it may not dominate as it did a few years ago, dismissing its future would be premature.
As Adam Małysz, now a key figure in Polish ski jumping administration, has stated: “If someone says otherwise, they are wrong.” His confidence suggests that work is being done behind the scenes to ensure that Poland remains competitive.
Conclusion
While Poland may not be at its peak, it is far from a lost cause. The transition to a new generation, combined with structural changes, may take time, but with the right investments and patience, the country has the potential to stay among the world’s best in ski jumping. Writing off Polish ski jumping now would be a mistake—history has shown that it has the
resilience to rise again.