Nordic combined

“Stehaufmandl” Seidl is not giving up hope

"I've already experienced a lot. Or had to," says combined skier Mario Seidl. On the one hand, there are four medals at the World Championships and Olympic Games and two individual World Cup victories. But there is also a cruciate ligament rupture, the autoimmune disease hypogammaglobulinemia and a fractured kneecap on the other.

The latter is still causing the 31-year-old problems eight months after the horror injury. He was only able to start classic running training two weeks ago. "We totally underestimated it," explained the veteran. Again and again he had the feeling that there was "gravel in his knee". The World Championship winter is practically over for Seidl. "A miracle would have to happen," he says frankly.

Lord of the skies changes saddle on the side
But the "stand-up guy" is far from giving up - he is hoping for the 2026 Olympics, which has long been on his mind. "Just like ski flying in the Combined World Cup," grins the gifted flyer. He doesn't get enough of it away from the jumps either and is working on his pilot's license. "That way I don't lose focus," says Seidl.