Material in Ski Jumping: 'The others do nothing one wouldn't do oneself'
Severin Freund, a former Olympic champion now turned TV expert, discusses the challenges of fair play and trust in ski jumping, reflecting on his Olympic experience and the current state of the sport.
Severin Freund, who won a gold medal in ski jumping at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, now serves as a TV expert and shares his insights into the sport during competitions. In his interview, Freund reflects on the complexities of the environment in which athletes compete, particularly during the Sochi Games, which he describes as 'not simple or ordinary.' He emphasizes the need for athletes to focus on their performance rather than getting distracted by external controversies, despite some unusual circumstances surrounding the event.
Friend highlights the importance of trust and fairness in ski jumping, noting that it can be difficult to navigate these issues. He believes that the sport is at a critical point where ensuring a level playing field is essential for the integrity of competitions. Looking ahead, he expresses hope that the upcoming Winter Games in Milan-Cortina will serve as a grand sporting event and offer a fresh opportunity for athletes to showcase their abilities in a fair environment.
Overall, Freund's perspective combines his personal experience from being an elite athlete with broader reflections on the sport's landscape today. His comments raise important questions about how competition settings and conduct can impact the athletes' trust and experiences, which is vital for the future of ski jumping and its reputation internationally.