This new system aims to put an end to the suit debate

The explosive themed suit divides the ski jumping elite. After an active athlete made sharp statements to Blick (“Almost everyone cheats, I just have to go along with it, otherwise I don’t stand a chance”), there is tumult. There are also dissenting voices, such as from Germany. Karl Geiger (29) even praised audit boss Christian Kathol (57) saying: “I think our auditor has a line that he follows, a common thread. He has a limit and I wouldn’t say it’s kinky in any way.”

Kathol also does not understand the anonymous athlete who said that he “cannot take material control seriously”: “I do not agree with him that everyone should go over the limits. I know many athletes from all countries who are all scrupulous to to stay within the limits.”

«Change the control type»

However, the Kärtner also has to admit: “Of course there are jumpers who go further.” And that is exactly what he now hopes to be able to do better with changes in regulations and measurement methods. He tells Blick, “It’s one of our goals to change the type of control.”

The magic word combination here is: 3D system. With this technology, ski jumpers should be measured automatically and accurately in the future. “It couldn’t be more neutral or better,” says Kathol, who continues: “With a scan like this I get a lot more measurements than with the previous manual measurements.”

Very important: compared to now, where the jumpers are checked while lying or sitting, the check is done standing up again, which means that there are far fewer possibilities for manipulation.

“Of course I feel better”

As he puts it, Kathol envisions a two-stage plan. The first measurements are planned in the spring. Then, in the second step, further development would take place over the next seven or eight months. Kathol explains: “We would then commission the scanner at the start. Then the body in underwear is compared to the body in the suit. This is how we see the deviations that the suit has. And whether he complies. Then I can concentrate on everything else, such as boots, skis and so on.”

The scan only takes a few seconds and the position of the jumper is also automatically checked to prevent fraud. Kathol admits: “Of course I feel more comfortable with the new system. Because it is a step towards a new era.” It remains to be seen whether the discussions will actually disappear completely. Especially since it has always existed in one form or another in recent years.

Source : Blick