Vierschanzentournee: Karl Geiger criticises his form and Olympic chances

Karl Geiger has been sharply critical of his own performances after a disappointing start to the Four Hills Tournament. The German ski jumping veteran failed to qualify at his home event in Oberstdorf and then finished 33rd in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, leaving him 49th in the overall Tour standings.

Geiger told chiemgau24.de after the New Year’s competition that “it wasn’t all bad, although I had hoped for a better result.” Still, he acknowledged the gap between his current level and his past form, when he was regularly among the Tour favourites and finished third (2019/20) and second (2020/21) in the overall classification.

With Germany having only four Olympic spots and the team selection due on 20 January, Geiger admitted he currently does not meet the internal standard. “Of course I think about the Olympics. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t matter to me,” he said, but added frankly: “In my current form I don’t have a mandate at the Olympics. Germany should send the best athletes and right now I’m not among them.”

Despite the setback, Geiger stressed his belief in his own capabilities and in a gradual recovery. He said the path back will require small steps and patience, but he remained confident he could still help the team if he regains form.

Background

Geiger was once a regular contender for the Four Hills overall title and has multiple Tour podiums and medals in his career. This season he prepared intensively for the Tour — even taking a World Cup break at one point — but so far has not matched his earlier level. The article notes discussions in Germany about team selection and mentions broader Tour topics such as equipment checks and other athletes affected by Tourneé developments.

Source: SPORT1 (German sports news outlet).