Selina Freitag clinched the silver medal at the Nordic Ski World Championships held in Trondheim, Norway, marking her first individual podium finish at such prestigious event. The 23-year-old German ski jumper delivered impressive jumps of 99 and 103.5 meters, finishing behind Slovenia's Nika Prevc, who took home the gold. The bronze medal was secured by Eirin Maria Kvandal from Norway.
Freitag expressed her emotional triumph post-competition, stating, "I am just mega happy to show such jumps during the competition. It just pays off so much hard work; I could cry. It is just beautiful right now." This victory rounds out what has been her strongest season to date, following six consecutive podium finishes, including two second-place finishes earlier this month at the WM-Generalprobe in Hinzenbach.
Over the years, Freitag had been overshadowed by teammates and the legacy of her brother, Richard Freitag, who is also decorated with two World Championship golds. Her win signifies not just personal achievement but also the breaking of barriers. “This is her, pure nature, without anything over it,” Richard remarked, remarking on her authenticity and dedication to the sport. Richard, who retired from professional ski jumping, expressed his pride watching his sister excel.
The competition unfolded tightly, with Freitag finally stepping out of the shadows cast by both her brother's success and the expectations surrounding her own career. Commenting on Freitag's performance, teammate Agnes Reisch said, "That is really deserved. She fought so hard. It's like gold for her," highlighting the effort and resilience Freitag demonstrated in her quest for individual glory.
Despite previous disappointments, including not placing above fourth in individual events at the World Championship level, Freitag has turned the tide. The competition was also notable for its challenging weather conditions, with fluctuations stressing the importance of focus and adaptability. "I just really happy for Seli. She stayed so cool," reflected teammate Katharina Schmid, who faced her own challenges during the competition.
Freitag's path has not been without its struggles; she has often been vocal about the inequalities faced by female ski jumpers, recently drawing attention for the disparity between prizes offered to male and female athletes. Amidst all of this, her athletic prowess shines through. With Freitag's recent win, she aims to use her platform to advocate for equality within her sport.
Looking forward, Freitag’s success at the World Championships heralds potential for future achievements. Her clear potential has set the stage for upcoming competitions, including the mixed and team events scheduled later this week. Celebrations swelled among her teammates, marking both individual and team accomplishments. Freitag's performance serves as motivation for others on the national squad, reinforcing their united determination.
This silvers medal highlights Selina Freitag's dedication, capability, and the relentless pursuit of her goals. With aspirations for continued success and visibility for female athletes, she is firmly positioned at the forefront of women's ski jumping.