Piotr Żyła surprises before Four Hills; Stoch leads Poles in Oberstdorf qualifying

Kamil Stoch topped the Polish contingent in qualifying for the first competition of the Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf, Germany, jumping 130.5 m to finish 14th.

Poland advanced five athletes to Monday’s event: Maciej Kot (19th), Piotr Żyła (22nd), Kacper Tomasiak (25th) and Paweł Wąsek (32nd) joined Stoch on the start list.

Stoch, a three-time Golden Eagle winner, said he enjoys the tournament format and the rapid sequence of events, adding that it requires concentration and energy management. The 38‑year‑old is beginning his 20th Four Hills participation.

Eighteen‑year‑old debutant Kacper Tomasiak noted that adapting to Oberstdorf’s Schattenbergschanze take‑off was difficult, saying his jumps lacked looseness and energy but he expected improvement for the competition.

Maciej Kot, recalled to the World Cup team after solid showings in Wisła, Klingenthal and Engelberg, described his qualifying jump as solid and stressed the need to manage strength wisely during the tournament.

Piotr Żyła, one of the oldest entrants alongside Stoch, called his qualifying attempt “far from ideal,” quipping that there was “a lack of contact between the head and the legs,” but was satisfied with achieving the main goal of qualifying and hoped to shake off the post‑holiday lull by Monday.

The opening competition of the 74th Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf is scheduled for Monday at 16:30.