Disappointment with Werner Schuster: FIS rule change in ski jumping fizzled out!

Disappointment with Werner Schuster: FIS rule change in ski jumping fizzled out!

Former ski jumper and TV expert Werner Schuster is deeply disappointed with the new regulations for telemark landings that were introduced by the FIS before the start of the new season. This regulation, which was the background of heated debate, was intended to increase the value of landing in ski jumping and impose harsher punishment for athletes who fail to land on telemark. Instead of two points as before, three points will now be deducted. But Schuster is critical: "I'm disappointed with the new regulation. It was much ado about nothing," he adds Eurosport quoted. In his opinion, the announced revolution has not yet materialized; the differentiation and harsher penalties would only exist in theory.

Criticism by Markus Eisenbichler

Ski jumper Markus Eisenbichler shares Schuster's opinion and is also upset about the new rules. “I think it's totally stupid, to be honest, what the FIS has come up with again,” he said at the outfitting of the German Ski Association in Nuremberg. Eisenbichler, who has repeatedly had challenges with clean landings, fears that even the best performances may no longer be rewarded in the future. "Now you can be the best and not be on the podium. That's just not fair," he says. This regulation could lead to the best distances being pushed into the background by unfair point deductions.

The 2019 large hill world champion, who was most recently transferred to the Continental Cup, is currently trying to return to the A team. He says he is well on his way to giving his best ahead of the new ski jumping season, which starts on November 23rd in Lillehammer. “I will try to do my best again and ski jump better than last year, which is currently looking quite good,” said Eisenbichler with a positive outlook on the future.