The ravages of time

Cult ski jumper fears for his career!

He is a four-time Olympic champion, 23-time winner of World Cup ski jumping competitions and simply a cult figure in winter sports - but Simon Ammann may soon also be a ski jumping pensioner!

Because the ravages of time are taking their toll on the 43-year-old Swiss, after poor training performances in the summer Ammann was demoted by the management of the Swiss team ...

At the behest of coach Martin Künzle, Ammann had to compete in the third-class FIS Cup to recharge his batteries and regain his form. However, the reminder failed to have the desired effect and the "team grandpa" finished outside the top 20.

A place in the Swiss Eagles' four-man World Cup team seemed completely illusory at this point, and Ammann's career was overdue ...

"Harry Potter of the ski jumps"
But the "Harry Potter of ski jumps" did not want to give up just yet, nor give in to the ravages of time gnawing at him - and indeed: his performance improved and he even finished in 4th place at the national championships.

A few years ago, such a rank would hardly have been cause for great celebration for Ammann, but having missed out on the World Cup squad, it was already a success.

Gregor Deschwanden, who finished on the podium twice last season, national champion Kilian Peier and super-talented Felix Trunz are the Swiss favourites.

Ammann is now competing for the 4th ticket with other Swiss youngsters, and is currently still successful: "Simon is currently one of the best four," team boss Künzle told Blick - but he also warned: "If someone doesn't perform, they will be replaced!"