After the out of the title favorite Sara Marita Kramer the day before, Jacqueline Seifriedsberger also missed out on Wednesday for this reason. The Upper Austrian tested positive with an antigen test right before her departure from Zurich Airport. Daniela Iraschko-Stolz, Eva Pinkelnig and the substitute athlete Lisa Eder, who is already on her way to Beijing, will remain in the team.
Instead of Seifriedsberger, the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC) – in coordination with the Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV) – nominated 23-year-old Sophie Sorschag from Carinthia. Approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is still required for the change. For the 31-year-old Seifriedsberger, it would have been the second time she took part in the Olympics after finishing 13th four years ago in Pyeongchang.
“Of course, for Jacqueline – like for Sara Marita – a world is collapsing. You’re ready to take off, you feel healthy, but you can’t take off. You don’t wish that on anyone,” said Mario Stecher, ÖSV director for ski jumping and Nordic Combination. “Jacqueline was part of the extended circle of medal contenders, having been in the top 10 twice this year. She seemed to be getting in shape in time for the Olympics.”
Stecher emphasized that the focus must be on the sport as soon as possible. “The first impression of the hill is promising. We’re looking forward to training,” emphasized the six-time Olympic participant. The men’s team with Manuel Fettner, Jan Hörl, Daniel Huber, Stefan Kraft and Daniel Tschofenig also arrived in Beijing on Wednesday.
Source: Nachrichten
