Before diving back into the chilly climes of Oberstdorf, Garmisch, or Scandinavia, Olympic ski jumping champion Andreas Wellinger opted for a change of scenery first. Spring found him basking in the sun on the picturesque island of Mauritius, while the autumn months saw him soaking up some last rays on Mykonos' Greek shores. With a seasoned tan and an air of calm, the gold medalist from Pyeongchang 2018 zeroed in on the sport and journalists as the winter season's kickoff neared, sensing the approaching cold breeze that whispered "winter is coming."
Wellinger's career has been quite the rollercoaster ride, riddled with obstacles and setbacks since his Olympic triumph in 2018. Yet, the 28-year-old Bavarian seems to have left those challenges behind. Last winter, he added two World Championship medals to his collection in Planica, Slovenia, marking a remarkable comeback. Not only has he managed to regain his carefree and lighthearted demeanor that characterized his younger years, but he’s also lately been voicing his opinions more openly and candidly.
When quizzed about prospective young guns like Philipp Raimund, Wellinger jokes, "Are you implying I'm old now?" He cherishes the pressure youngsters create, as it was exactly that pressure that motivated him during his early years. "The more the newcomers arrive, the more carefully the veterans must stay, ensuring that we can compete together and emerge victorious," he explains.
Wellinger has transformed into one of the established athletes on the team, a kind of team captain with a rich pool of experience. In the upcoming World Cup opener in Ruka, Finland, he's one of the frontrunners, as per national coach Stefan Horngacher. Alongside Wellinger, the main expectations for the 2024-25 season rest on Karl Geiger, who has consistently performed well over the years, and the promising Raimund.
Wellinger has personally undergone several alterations in his professional life as an athlete over the years. He relocated to Munich, then returned to the countryside, and occasionally indulged in his passion for surfing as a hobby during his downtime. However, Wellinger never backed down from his commitment to ski jumping, aside from injury breaks. These days, though, Wellinger is more than just a competitor; he has become an outspoken voice for changes he sees as necessary in the sport.
Regarding the idea of donning a helmet that is devoid of sponsors, Wellinger remarks, "I feel it's just plain silly. It could prove detrimental to winter sports in the future." And this comes after initially expressing trepidation about approaching the topic with diplomacy. Strong criticism, however, became his priority. His discontent with team ski jumping at the Olympics is equally apparent: "What a pity." Wellinger believes the power struggles behind the FIS World Federation to be somewhat questionable.
He expresses frustration that many of the decisions affecting the athletes tend to be made "far beyond our reach." However, Wellinger and his peers appear to have come to terms with these issues. "We are the ones who must endure the consequences or represent them, regardless of their merits," he says.
No longer the wild and unpredictable youngster, Wellinger has instead established himself as a seasoned athlete, a kind of team captain with a wealth of experience. With his two World Championship medals serving as evidence of his remarkable comeback, Andreas Wellinger is now gearing up for the upcoming World Cup season with renewed determination.
