Stefan Horngacher to step down; shock in German ski jumping

Sensational news from Germany: at a press conference, head ski jumping coach Stefan Horngacher revealed he will step down after the coming Olympic season. He described the move as a “full circle” in his career, recalling his first full World Cup season around the 1991 World Championships in Predazzo and noting that the Olympic season closing in the same place feels like a natural endpoint.

Horngacher said announcing the decision before the season was important to avoid ongoing questions and to give athletes clarity during their preparations. While he will leave the German national team after the Games, he did not exclude a future return to coaching.

During his tenure, Germany achieved major successes, including winning the Nations Cup, a team World Championship gold medal, and an Olympic team bronze. His athletes also recorded numerous individual victories. However, the most coveted triumph for German fans remains elusive: an overall win at the Four Hills Tournament, a feat last achieved by the legendary Sven Hannawald.

The announcement lands just a month before the World Cup season opener, making it a significant jolt to the program heading into an Olympic year.