Germany sound the alarm in ski jumping: “Indescribable frustration” as stars struggle

German media are warning of a serious downturn in the national ski jumping team as the 2025/26 World Cup season passes its ninth competition. Both Polish and German jumpers have found it difficult to reach top-10 finishes, but the spotlight in Germany is on the struggles of established stars.

Under head coach Stefan Horngacher, expectations have not been met. Karl Geiger has accumulated only 12 World Cup points and, before the Klingenthal stop, was removed from the A‑team to regroup. Andreas Wellinger, seventh overall last season, sits on 48 points and has scored only in Falun and Ruka, otherwise finishing far back or missing out in qualification. Pius Paschke has been the most stable, finishing in the top 30 seven times for 105 points, while Felix Hoffmann and Philipp Raimund have been the most encouraging performers so far.

German outlets such as ZDFHeute describe the mood as one of “indescribable frustration.” Ski jumping legend Jens Weissflog told the outlet that occasional failure to reach the second round can happen, but being unable to clear qualification indicates a deeper problem. He supported sidelining Geiger before Klingenthal to reset ahead of the Four Hills Tournament.

Weissflog added that Germany’s difficulties are part of a broader generational shift, also visible in Poland’s team, which likewise struggles to place inside the top 10. With the Four Hills Tournament approaching, Germany is searching for rhythm and confidence through training and successive, clean jumps.

Source: Przegląd Sportowy Onet.