In a significant shake-up for Polish ski jumping, Thomas Thurnbichler has stepped down as the head coach of the national team following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. His departure marks the end of a three-year tenure that saw mixed results, and the Polish Ski Association (PZN) has appointed Maciej Maciusiak, Thurnbichler's former assistant, as his successor. This transition comes as the team prepares for future competitions, including the upcoming World Cup events.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference held at the World Cup weekend in Planica, where Thurnbichler and PZN President Adam Małysz addressed the media. Małysz expressed his gratitude for Thurnbichler's contributions while emphasizing the need for change. “We have to keep moving forward,” Małysz stated, highlighting the importance of adapting to the evolving demands of the sport.
Despite his dismissal, Thurnbichler has been offered a chance to remain within the Polish ski jumping framework, with Małysz suggesting he could lead the junior team currently managed by Daniel Kwiatkowski. This proposal has sparked discussions about the future roles of both Thurnbichler and Kwiatkowski, as the latter has expressed his readiness to cooperate with Thurnbichler should he accept the offer.
Kwiatkowski, who has been working with the junior team since 2021, confirmed that he received assurances from Małysz regarding his position within the system, stating, "I have a guarantee from the association that I have a place in the system. It’s a bit strange right now, but we’ll see what happens with Thomas’s decision.” He added, “We are all part of one team, and I have always enjoyed working with Thomas.”
However, sources suggest that Thurnbichler may be leaning towards leaving Poland altogether for a coaching role in Germany. The potential move has been a topic of speculation, particularly following remarks from German ski jumping legend Martin Schmitt, who stated, “If we could acquire him, it would be fantastic. He is an excellent coach with a wealth of experience.” Schmitt believes that Thurnbichler's recent challenges in Poland could contribute positively to his development as a coach.
In the wake of Thurnbichler's exit, some Polish ski jumpers have voiced their relief. Dawid Kubacki remarked, “There will be less chaos and confusion without him. Our former coach couldn’t settle down, and things changed too often.” His comments reflect a sentiment shared by others in the team, suggesting that the atmosphere may improve under Maciusiak’s leadership.
One week after expressing his thoughts on Thurnbichler, Kubacki adopted a more cautious stance, stating, “I’d rather not dwell on the past. We had a great event on Saturday, and I prefer to focus on those positive emotions.” Meanwhile, Aleksander Zniszczoł expressed satisfaction with the change, stating, “In my opinion, Maciek should have taken this position a long time ago. The atmosphere wasn’t what it should have been.”
The Polish junior team has faced challenges recently, returning from the Junior World Championships without a medal for the first time since 2022. They finished fifth in the team competition in Lake Placid, which has raised questions about their preparation and performance consistency. Kwiatkowski’s future remains uncertain as he awaits Thurnbichler's decision.
As the ski jumping community watches closely, the next few days are critical for determining the direction of the Polish junior team and the potential role of Thurnbichler. The outcome of this situation could significantly impact the development of young talent in Poland.
In conclusion, while Thurnbichler’s departure marks a new chapter for Polish ski jumping, the possibility of him taking on a role with the junior team remains a point of interest. The dynamics between Kwiatkowski and Thurnbichler, as well as the overall atmosphere within the team, will be pivotal in shaping the future success of Polish ski jumping.
