Lindsey Van: "Don't count Ammann out!"

ski-jumping-italy
Dec 30, 2014
2 min read

At the beginning of the Four Hills Tournament our expert became World Champion from Liberec, representative of the USA Lindsey Van. Here's her statement about yesterday's competition in Oberstdorf.

"Once again the weather makes a ski jumping competition more interesting. The wind and the snow were difficult conditions for everybody, but the organizers did a great job preparing the hill.

What a great first win for Stefan Kraft, and to have his teammate Hayboeck on the podium with him. As a ski jumper we have often seen the Austrains show up ready to win at the 4 hills. Kraft put two good jumps together to come away with the win. The consistency of Hayboeck proved that he will be competitive for the win in this years four hills. Hayboeck hasnt been out of the top 10 all year, and has podiumed in the last 3 events. 5 podiums this season puts him at the top of the overall World Cup.

Prevc showed a great first jump, but the 2nd jump wasnt as clean as the first jump. Prevc is slowing gaining momentum this season, and I think we will see a win from him in this 4 hills. Stoch has made a great comeback from his ankle surgery coming in 4th place, and has a good chance in the tournee. Fannemel, Koudelka, Damjan, and Kasai all had a solid competition. Its a shame to see what happened to Ammann. Winning at the 4 hills this year will not be possible. He didnt win his KO round, and wasn't a lucky looser.

Tough competition for Ammann and with a jump of 133 he would have been in there. Ammann has had trouble in the past landing in sticky snow, but I am glad he is ok. It would be great to see Davide Bresadola show his form from earlier in the season, and get some points. North Americans Nick Fairall, and Mathew Rowley both qualified, but did not make the 2nd round. Rowley new to the World Cup was 31st.

Sjoeen had a solid day, and I would keep and eye open for him to make a move in Garmisch. For Garmisch I would expect Hayboeck, and Kraft to do well. Stoch, Fannemel, Kasai, Damjan, Freund, and Prevc are all in good shape. I think Prevc will take the win in Garmish, with Hayboeck coming in 2nd, and 3rd Stoch. Dont count Ammann out. Even though he is not in the running for the 4 hills, he will still be very dangerous in Garmisch.

The 4 hills is such a prestigious event in ski jumping and always fun to watch. I look forward to watching the next three competitions. I think by the end Sven Hannawald will still be the only person to win all four events."