In a significant shake-up for Polish ski jumping, Thomas Thurnbichler's tenure as head coach of the national team is coming to an abrupt end. The announcement was made by Adam Małysz, President of the Polish Ski Association, during a press conference held in Planica on March 28, 2025, just days before the conclusion of the 2024/25 World Cup season.
"After discussions with the athletes and coaching staff, the Board of the Polish Ski Association has decided that changes are necessary in the national team’s structure. Considering the atmosphere within the team and prioritizing the well-being of the representation, we have decided to end the collaboration with Thomas Thurnbichler as head coach of the A team," Małysz stated, confirming the decision that had been anticipated by many.
Thurnbichler, who has been at the helm for three years, will not be leaving the Polish ski jumping scene entirely. He has been offered a position as the junior team coach, a role he is currently contemplating. "If you are the head coach, offers from other countries come every year. Even if I do not continue working in Poland, I will remain in ski jumping because it is still my passion," Thurnbichler remarked, expressing his thoughts on the transition.
His successor will be Maciej Maciusiak, who has served as Thurnbichler's assistant. Małysz highlighted that Maciusiak is well-known within Polish ski jumping circles and has played a significant role in training Polish stars. "We believe he is the right person to lead the team forward," Małysz added.
The decision to part ways with Thurnbichler comes on the heels of a disappointing season for Polish ski jumpers. While the 2022/2023 season saw Piotr Żyła crowned world champion on the normal hill and Dawid Kubacki securing bronze on the large hill, the subsequent seasons have not delivered similar success. The Polish team has struggled to maintain its status among the elite, with only a few standout performances from athletes like Aleksander Zniszczoł and Paweł Wąsek.
Wąsek recently achieved a podium finish in Lahti, marking a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, while Zniszczoł has also shown flashes of brilliance. However, many fans and analysts have noted a decline in overall performance, leading to calls for immediate action from the Polish Ski Association.
Małysz's announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions within the ski jumping community. Some experts have expressed their concerns about the decision, suggesting that removing Thurnbichler so close to the Olympic season might not be in the best interest of the athletes. Andreas Goldberger, a former ski jumper, remarked, "In my opinion, we are making a mistake. We are taking a talented coach away from a young leader just before the Olympic winter. If you don't want Thomas, just say one word, and we will gladly take him back in Austria." This sentiment reflects a broader debate about the future direction of Polish ski jumping.
As the 2024/25 season draws to a close with competitions in Planica, the focus will now shift to how Maciusiak will reshape the team. The upcoming events will include individual competitions and a team event, culminating in the final showdown on March 30, 2025, where the top 30 athletes in the general classification will compete.
Currently, Daniel Tschofenig leads the World Cup standings with 1705 points, followed by Jan Hoerl. The results in Planica will determine the overall winner of the Crystal Globe, with significant implications for both athletes and their national teams.
The Polish ski jumping team has faced a tumultuous period, and the changes at the top reflect a desire for revitalization. With Maciusiak at the helm, there is hope that the team can reclaim its former glory and compete effectively on the world stage once again.
The shift in coaching staff comes amid a backdrop of increased competition from other nations, particularly Austria, Germany, and Slovenia, who have dominated the podiums in recent years. The Polish team, once a powerhouse in the sport, now finds itself at a crossroads, needing to adapt and evolve to stay relevant in the international arena.
As the athletes prepare for the final competitions of the season, all eyes will be on how they respond to the coaching change and whether the new leadership can inspire a turnaround in performance. The upcoming weekend in Planica will not only serve as a conclusion to the current season but also as a pivotal moment for the future of Polish ski jumping.
In conclusion, the departure of Thurnbichler marks the end of an era for the Polish ski jumping team. With Maciusiak stepping in, the hope is that fresh ideas and renewed energy will help restore the team to its rightful place among the top competitors in the world. The journey ahead will be challenging, but with determination and support, the Polish ski jumpers aim to rise once again.
