Simon Ammann was dropped from the squad. © APA / ERWIN SCHERIAU

Mid-tour: Ski jumping veteran kicked out of squad

Ski jumping veteran Simon Ammann has been dropped from the Swiss squad at the halfway point of his 27th Four Hills Tournament.

02 January 2026

From: dpa/det

As the national federation announced, the 44-year-old will return home after the two competitions in Germany. Ammann missed the second round in both Oberstdorf and the New Year's jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, finishing in 34th place. This is a significant setback for the veteran in his bid for an Olympic berth.

Besides Ammann, 20-year-old Juri Kesseli also has to leave early. Felix Trunz and Killian Peier will get their chance to impress the officials at the Bergisel ski jumping event in Innsbruck on Sunday (1:30 p.m.) and in Bischofshofen. Ammann, double Olympic champion from Salt Lake City 2002 and Vancouver 2010, is uncertain about his eighth appearance at the Winter Games in Italy in February.

The 23-time World Cup winner is hoping for one of four Olympic starting places on the Swiss team. Gregor Deschwanden, currently 18th in the Four Hills Tournament, is considered a shoo-in, and Sandro Hauswirth (21st) has also made a strong case for selection.