German ski jumper Katharina Schmid ended her Olympic appearances in a way far from expectations. As the flag bearer for the German team and a seven-time world champion, she had hoped for a medal, but the competition on the large hill in Predazzo ended for her after the first round. Finishing in a distant 42nd place became a symbol of a difficult tournament for the entire German women's team.

Tragic career finale

Decorated ski jumper Katharina Schmid finished only 42nd place in her final Olympic performance, failing to even qualify for the final round.

Debacle for the German team

German female ski jumpers are ending the Games without a medal for the first time in history, with the best, Agnes Reisch, finishing tenth.

Future plans

Despite the sporting failure, Schmid plans a coaching career, although it will likely initially be outside the structures of the German Ski Association (DSV).

Katharina Schmid's final Olympic performance in Predazzo turned into a sporting drama for the decorated athlete. The German record holder for the number of world championship titles failed to qualify for the second round of the large hill competition, finishing the event in 42nd place. Difficult windy conditions, described by commentators as a 'lottery', prevented her from delivering a jump that would allow for a real fight for top positions. Schmid, who had the honorary role of flag bearer (German: Fahnenträgerin) during the opening ceremony, left the hill with tears in her eyes, admitting that such an end to her Olympic career causes her immense pain. The entire German women's team experienced a painful reality check in Predazzo. The best German, Agnes Reisch, finished only 10th in the final competition. For the first time in their history of competing at the Winter Games, German female ski jumpers are returning home without a single medal. The German Ski Association (DSV) must now face a wave of criticism, especially since favorites like Selina Freitag also failed to meet expectations. Despite the terrible farewell, Schmid does not rule out staying in the sport in a new role, although sports director Horst Hüttel suggested her coaching path might initially lie outside the structures of the national federation. Women's ski jumping debuted in the Olympic program only in 2014 in Sochi. Katharina Schmid (formerly Althaus) was one of the pioneers of the discipline, winning silver medals in 2018 and 2022. For many fans, the image of Schmid sitting in the technical zone with her characteristic glitter on her cheeks and tears in her eyes will remain one of the most moving moments of these Games. Although weather conditions played a key role in the results, the athlete herself emphasized that she is grateful for the presence of family and friends who supported her in this difficult moment. The competition was dominated by representatives of Norway, led by Eirin Maria Kvandal, which only highlighted the crisis the German team finds itself in on the eve of an announced generational change. „This hurts a lot, very, very much. This is not how I imagined saying goodbye to the Olympic stage.” — Katharina Schmid42. — place the favorite finished in her final start

[{"position": 10, "name": "Agnes Reisch", "info": "Germany", "result": "Top 10"}, {"position": 42, "name": "Katharina Schmid", "info": "Team flag bearer", "result": "No qualification"}]

Mentioned People

  • Katharina Schmid — German ski jumper, multiple medalist, flag bearer for the national team.
  • Agnes Reisch — German ski jumper, the best German in the large hill competition.
  • Horst Hüttel — Sports director for ski jumping and Nordic combined at the German Ski Association.