Four Hills Tournament - Beer and champagne allowed: Wellinger celebrates dream start
Beer or champagne? After his emotional ski jumping triumph in Oberstdorf, Andreas Wellinger was looking forward to a liquid reward. "Definitely" he would treat himself to something, said Wellinger on the outrun of the hill on Schattenberg.
Just under an hour after his first victory in the Four Hills Tournament opener, the sold-out arena in the Allgäu with 25,500 spectators had gradually emptied. Thousands of fans had sung the German anthem beforehand, followed by a real interview marathon.
"Beautiful and emotional"
The 28-year-old Bavarian rated his victory ahead of Japan's Ryoyu Kobayashi and top favorite Stefan Kraft from Austria very highly. "He's way, way up there. It's difficult to compare with an Olympic victory, but it will be in a similar category. To win in Oberstdorf at the Tournament - in front of the backdrop - when 26,000 people are waving flags and roaring until you get to the bottom and then see the one light up at the end," said Wellinger.
He had "never" experienced such an atmosphere as during the anthem. "It's really, really nice and emotional for me," said Wellinger. After a rest day, the action continues on New Year's Eve with the qualifiers in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Wellinger is no longer going into the New Year's competition as the hunter, but as the hunted. "I would say that's a nice starting position," said Wellinger.
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- Originating from Bavaria, Germany, Andreas Wellinger expressed his excitement for experiencing his dream start in the Four Hills Tournament in Allgäu.
- After his victory at the Four Hills Tournament opener in Oberstdorf, Andreas Wellinger, the top-ranked skier, was highly praised for his performance, with many comparing it to an Olympic victory.
- As the celebration continued, Andreas Wellinger was offered beer or champagne as a reward for his successful ski jumping performance in the World Cup event.
- The following day after the Four Hills Tournament opener, the crowd in Bavaria's Garmisch-Partenkirchen eagerly awaited the qualifiers, with Andreas Wellinger stepping into the competition as the hunted rather than the hunter.
- Wellinger's accomplishment in Oberstdorf added to Austria's success in the Four Hills Tournament, an annual event that attracts skiers and spectators from all over Europe.
- The Four Hills Tournament is renowned in winter sports, with the "four hills" being the famous Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, and Bischofshofen, all located in Germany or Austria.
- Despite enjoying his recent success, Andreas Wellinger never forgets his roots, often returning to his hometown of Bavaria to partake in Nordic skiing events and connect with his fans.
Source: www.stern.de
