SKI JUMPING. What is there left to say about this athlete? Thomas Morgenstern is simply unbeatable at the moment. The competition can only wonder what's the weak point of this highflyer but right now no one can keep up with the World Champion.

Thomas Morgenstern (AUT), foto: fisskijumping.com

Morgenstern also won in Hinterzarten, it was his fourth victory in the fourth competition. Counting also the victories in the team competitions it was his sixth win in the sixth competition. On Sunday, the athlete from Carinthia laid the foundation for the victory already in the first round. His jump on 108.5 m was the longest of the weekend in Hinterzarten. In the final Morgenstern landed after 104.5 m and this was again the longest jump of the round. With 268.9 points it was a clear win for the dominator of the summer.

"It was not an easy competition for me today, the others showed long jumps. I want to congratulate the organizers to the 30th anniversary, but I won't be competing here for the 40th", said the winner.

Stoch on the podium again - Freitag for the first time

The second place went to Kamil Stoch, who is having a great summer so far and achieved already his third podium result. The Pole was not impressed by the strong jumps of the competition in final round, jumped on 103.5 m and reached a total of 257.9 points. "This was a competition on the highest level. I will give my flowers to my wife, because it's our first anniversary today", told Stoch.

Kamil Stoch (POL), foto: fisskijumping.com

Germany's Richard Freitag was on the podium for the first time today. The 19-year-old was in the Top 10 in all competitions this summer, but this third place is the best result of his career so far. The fans were enthusiastic about his jumps on 106 m and 104 m - with 253.9 points he stood on the podium.

"It was a great feeling to compete here and stand on the podium. I'm excited and it's a new experience for me. It can go on like that", said Freitag.

Top-3: Kamil Stoch (POL), Thomas Morgenstern (AUT) and Richard Freitag (GER), foto: fisskijumping.com

Hilde fourth - the most consistent Norwegian

Tom Hilde finished fourth and proved that he is by far the best Norwegian in summer 2011. After the first four summer competitions it shows that the same athletes are among the best almost always. Besides Hilde, who fell in training in Hinterzarten and was in the hospital, these are Russian Pavel Karelin (5th this time), Czech Roman Koudelka (6th), Norwegian Johan Remen Evensen (7th), Robert Kranjec from Slovenia (10th) and Koudelka's teammate Lukas Hlava (11th).

After his performances in the qualification and in the team competition, the 15th place was almost a little disappointment for Andreas Wank, but the German is prepared for the upcoming tasks this summer.

Lots of work for the Finns

The only Finn in the competition, Kalle Keituri, could not qualify for the final round. So this weekend ends with no FIS points for Finland. The athletes of head coach Pekka Niemelae have lots of work to do until the upcoming winter. In the six summer competitions so far they scored only five points.

Pascal Bodmer is making progress and could finally reach the second round again on Sunday. He still suffers from the consequences of a shoulder-surgery and that's why the 29th place is a success for him.

Ski Jumping Hills in Hinterzarten, foto: fisskijumping.com

With his four victories, Morgenstern is the undisputed leader in the overall ranking with 400 points. Kaml Stoch is second (229 points). The Summer Grand Prix will continue on Thursday with the qualification for Friday's competition in Courchevel.

FISskijumping.com
07.08.2011 16:03

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