This time it should finally work again in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The German jumpers have been waiting for a victory on the large Olympic hill at the Four Hills Tournament for 21 years.
On January 1, 2002, Sven Hannawald won there. After that there were still eight podium places for the eagles of the German Ski Association, but no more winners. Karl Geiger is now the German jumper with the best chance of changing that.
“Garmisch is a ski jump,” the 29-year-old describes the facility. “She has her own characteristics, which I really struggled with in the first few years. It has worked very well in the last few years.” Geiger, who finished fourth at the start in Oberstdorf, adds: “I’m looking forward to it. We haven’t jumped on it all year.”
Three years ago he came close to winning. At that time, only the Norwegian Marius Lindvik was a little stronger than the second-placed violinist. A first indication of how well the man from Oberstdorf is getting along with the hill this time is on New Year’s Eve. At 2 p.m. (ARD and Eurosport) the qualification for the New Year’s competition begins.
Incidentally, Hannawald is also the last German winner to date on another hill. Five days after his success in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, he also won in Bischofshofen in 2002 and completed his overall victory.
