Reaction after disqualification in Four Hills — Slovenians fear another star may be kicked out

Slovenia has filed a protest with FIS after Timi Zajc was disqualified for an illegal suit at the Four Hills Tournament (TCS). Zajc lost his Oberstdorf podium and then in Garmisch-Partenkirchen was again handed a red card after a control at the top of the hill found his suit non-compliant — allegedly a trouser leg 3 millimetres too long.

The Slovene federation says Zajc had previously passed checks wearing the same suit; this time inspectors measured him before the jump, not after, which led to the second disqualification. Slovenia now fears that stricter or inconsistent controls could put Domen Prevc — the current overall leader at mid‑tournament — under scrutiny. Prevc leads the standings by 35 points at the tournament midpoint.

Jani Grilc, long-time member of the Slovenian team staff, told TV Slovenija that while a suit can stretch during a jump, the situation is becoming chaotic and damaging to the sport’s image. He expressed concern that constant checks and repeated disqualifications are stressing athletes and could endanger top jumpers’ participation or reputations.

The article notes Slovenia lodged an official protest to FIS and links to further reporting on the controversy and proposed changes in equipment control procedures.

Photo captions: image of Domen Prevc.

(Source: Przegląd Sportowy Onet)