The summer ski jumping season comes to an end this weekend with the Grand Prix Final in Klingenthal. Simon Ammann is not part of the Swiss selection.
The quadruple Olympic champion has not officially retired, but the chances of seeing the Saint-Gallois (41) play a 26th World Cup season in November are becoming increasingly slim. Ammann has not stepped on a springboard once this summer.
“We are waiting for his commitment until the Swiss Championships in Kandersteg (21-23.10)”explains the head of the discipline, Berni Schödler. “The Swiss Championships are a must for an athlete in the framework.”
A return not excluded
Last spring, Ammann had accepted the status of executive A, the second echelon at Swiss-Ski, which suggested that he wanted to continue seriously in the elite sport. At the same time, the Saint-Gallois announced that he would take a break until August.
Neither Schödler nor his trainer Martin Künzle currently know exactly what Ammann has planned. A return of the jumper to 23 World Cup victories is not excluded for the two responsible. “If he wants to jump, he should communicate it soon. The ball is in his court”, says Künzle.
ats/jbal