Kamil Stoch speaks after Oberstdorf breakthrough: what he changed before the Four Hills

Reporting from Oberstdorf, Kamil Stoch admitted he couldn’t completely switch off from ski jumping over Christmas, but he appeared noticeably more relaxed than a week earlier in Engelberg. After difficult training and then a 14th place in qualification—the top Polish result—he said he needed to “ease off,” because the hard work had already been done, and perhaps a looser mindset would help.

Stoch explained that his strong start to the season had fueled hopes of quickly reaching a top level, but reality proved different. He’s now accepting where he is and trying to take as much as possible from each situation, rather than forcing results.

He also responded to the widely discussed Eurosport interview with reporter Kacper Merk after the frustrating Engelberg qualification. Some fans disliked his wry answers, but Stoch noted that such banter is part of the job and, in another workplace, blunt questions might end badly—joking he’d “leave without teeth.” He emphasized the entertainment aspect and keeping the conversation going.

At home, he joked that his wife Ewa said if he started doing telemarks around the house, it would mean he was ready—something he laughed that he actually did on the last day. Looking ahead to the Four Hills Tournament, he set a simple target: make good jumps in competition and, if possible, put together two solid rounds. For now, he believes that nothing will help more than this straightforward approach.