Philipp Raimund suffers from a fear of heights. © APA/afp / PEPE KORTENIEMI

Fear of heights: Ski jumping ace withdraws

Ski jumper Philipp Raimund suffers from a fear of heights. The sixth-place finisher at the World Championships from Oberstdorf will therefore only be a spectator at the upcoming ski jumping competition in Planica, Slovenia.

March 28, 2025

From: dpa

"I usually have it under control and it's not a problem in ski jumping, but from time to time I have the problem (especially in ski flying) that my body reacts without my control," the 24-year-old explained his withdrawal on social media. "I lose control, and for about 1 seconds, I'm just watching myself while I'm in the grip that's holding me."

Although “95 percent” of his jumps are not affected by this, Raimund does not want to take any risks, especially in Planica, “if I don’t know whether I am still the pilot or at least able to react.”

The two-time Junior World Champion now wants to watch the first three days "to get a feel for everything, to watch and learn. And maybe I'll fly on Sunday," because the World Cup finals are taking place. "But I won't fly unless I feel ready and happy."