Ski jumping: lacking the means, Sophie Sorschag puts her foot down at just 25 years of age
In October 2023, Sophie Sorschag received the green light from the FIS to take part in the ski jumping world cup competitions in the colours of Kosovo. On 1 December, the Austrian launched her season in Lillehammer (Norway), finishing thirty-third in the first event.
And yet, just a month and a half later, the 25-year-old was already competing in her last competition of the season on the springboard in Sapporo (Japan). Her sudden disappearance from the radar has raised questions among many followers of the circuit, who were expecting a lot from the young woman with three World Cup top 10 finishes.
Questioned in recent days by Koen ‘s journalists (reported by Koha), the native of Villach (Austria) admitted that she had taken the decision to stop her career following differences with the directors of the Kosovar federation.
“I paid for everything myselfSophie Sorschag at Koha
Indeed, Sophie Sorschag confided that she had invested a lot of money to be able to take part in the competitions. “Unfortunately for all of us, I fulfilled my part of the bargain 100%. But up until now, I’ve paid for everything myself, so I can say that the federation has not fulfilled its part of the agreement,” she says.
What’s more, I didn’t have any support, so I had to pay for everything myself,” she adds. That includes not only the cost of the helmet, wetsuits, goggles and shoes, but also my trainer’s salary and travel costs, including flights to competitions like Japan and Norway. It cost me nearly €100,000. I still have to work today to make ends meet.
These revelations caused a stir, but were quickly denied by the Kosovar leaders: “With regard to the statements about the lack of financial support, the IOC offered her the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship, through which athletes preparing for the Olympic Games can be supported,” they said. Sophie rejected this grant.
It’s an affair that’s likely to cause a few more stirs in the coming weeks, even if the woman in question will now be far from the ski jumping hill.
Read also
- Sophie Sorschag has received the green light from the FIS to compete in the colours of Kosovo
- Next season, Sophie Sorschag will be defending the colours of Kosovo
