Sports director said:

“Nobody works as hard for success as Eva”

Eva Pinkelnig was once again very strong in the past season.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

"I don't really know anyone who works more professionally for success than Eva Pinkelnig," says Christoph Kraxner, Sports Director of the Nordic athletes in the Vorarlberg Ski Association. "It was already amazing what she achieved in the 2022/23 season. The fact that she was able to repeat that this winter after her late start to the season, with such consistency, is very impressive for me."

The success factors are obvious for "Kraxi": "In the last two years, the cooperation between the Vorarlberg Olympic Center, the VSV and the ÖSV has become even more professional. In Thomas Diethart, she has found a base coach whom she trusts completely. And the opportunity to train in Vorarlberg rounds it off perfectly." The fact that the Dornbirn native will be celebrating her 36th birthday at the end of May does not change her prospects for success in the future. "Eva is placing more and more emphasis on quality. She no longer needs as many jumps as a 20-year-old in preparation. If she stays healthy and her environment remains stable, I believe she can compete for the overall World Cup again next winter."

"The plan is for something to change"
Kraxner is less optimistic when it comes to a potential successor to Eva from the Ländle: "We are currently rather thin on the ground. But that's not just the case in Vorarlberg, but throughout Austria." After there was almost a "rush" a few years ago, interest has recently flattened out somewhat. "But we haven't deliberately recruited female jumpers yet," admits the 43-year-old. "But there are already plans to change that."

Potential shown, consistency lacking
As far as the Ländle Eagles are concerned, he draws a mixed balance. "Uli Wohlgenannt, André Fussenegger and Niklas Bachlinger all showed flashes of their ability. However, all three lacked the necessary consistency over the season," Kraxner analyzes. "But you need that to be able to perform in a strong team like the Austrian one." He was delighted with young Johannes Pölz from Schwarzenberg: "If he continues to work hard, he will make the leap and hopefully have a great future ahead of him!"