Big steps for smaller Ski Jumping nations

The smaller, less successful nations in Ski Jumping are as important for the sport as the winners, a large international field of competitors is what makes Ski Jumping what it is.
But for these smaller nations, it's so much harder to get their athletes to an international top-level. Compared to the big teams, they lack the know-how, coaches, infrastructure, money, young athletes, practically everything.

In order to improve that, eight smaller nations now participated in a joint training camp in Planica (SLO). "Organizing this camp was pretty difficult due to the Covid-situation", said Marit Nybelius of Sweden, who was responsible for this camp as coordinator. "But in the end, it worked out well due to the huge effort of everyone involved."
Athletes from age 13 to a national team level could take part in the camp, the athletes jumped in Planica, where there is a perfect training center next to the famous Letalnica Ski Flying hill.

"It was about connecting people, exchanging experiences, and providing a basis for cooperation in the future. And for the young athletes, it was, of course, about jumping in front of coaches, World Cup athletes, and experts and learning from them. We invited different experts, among them World Cup athletes, to share their experiences and knowledge, present equipment, and give some advice. For example, none less than former Ski Flying World Champion Robert Kranjec explained the jumping suit. The camp was a huge success", said Nybelius.
FIS race director Sandro Pertile was also among the guests. "It was great, that Sandro took the time to come and visit us", told Nybelius.

"For the smaller nations, exchanging the experiences is extremely important. During such a camp you can make important connections, it creates new opportunities when it comes to equipment, training venues and methods, and training groups. Synergies are fundamental. When you saw the joy and enthusiasm of the young athletes in this camp, you can definitely consider it a huge success what happened here on a high level", Pertile said about the camp.

Eight nations took part in this camp: Bulgaria, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Canada, USA, Hungary, Czech Republic.
Currently, Norway, Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia, and Japan are the leading nations in Ski Jumping. Up until a few years ago, Finland was one of the strongest nations as well, but after years without big success, the Finns are fighting to return to the top.