The start of the ski jumping season could be for Pius Paschke hardly run any better. The 34-year-old German continued his strong performance from the start of the season in Wisla and rewarded himself once again with a podium finish. With third place, Paschke not only secured important World Cup points, but also defended his yellow jersey from the overall leader – a rarity for a German ski jumper in recent years.
Consistency as the key to success
Paschke is in impressive form and impresses above all with his consistency. While many of his competitors had to struggle with changing conditions, the veteran managed to stay calm and place his jumps cleanly. With this calmness, he held his own against the strong competition, which also included Austria’s shooting star Daniel Tschofenig, who celebrated his first World Cup victory in Wisla.
But the focus of German ski jumping fans is still Paschke. With his performances he underlines that he is a serious candidate for top placements this winter. He made people take notice with a win at the start of the season, and with third place in Wisla he impressively confirmed that this success was no coincidence.
The yellow jersey as motivation
The yellow jersey, which is usually held by jumpers like Halvor Egner Granerud or Stefan Kraft, is currently worn by a German – and that apparently provides additional motivation. Paschke seems determined to seize this moment. For the 34-year-old, who in the past has often been overshadowed by athletes like Karl Geiger or Markus Eisenbichler, it is a particular satisfaction to currently leave the competition behind.
Look at the upcoming competitions
The ski jumping season is still long, but the start couldn’t have gone better for Pius Paschke. Two top placings in a row and the yellow jersey are a clear signal to the competition. It will be exciting to see how the experienced German deals with his new role as the hunted. The coming stations in the World Cup calendar should show whether Paschke can maintain this consistency. One thing is certain, however: with his current form, he has the potential to continue to cause surprises.
His coach Stefan Horngacher should be more than satisfied with his protégé’s recent performances. The competition will make sure not to lose sight of the German – because Pius Paschke has apparently tasted blood. With his new role as leader of the overall ranking, his self-confidence also grows, and who knows: perhaps this winter will be the most successful of his career so far.
John Penny