There has been a storm around the show jumping team recently. The root of the conflict is dissatisfaction among the jumpers with trainer Alexander Stöckl. The Austrian has, among other things, in a major interview with Nettavisen, said that the conflict has taken a toll on him.
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Neither he nor sporting director Clas Brede Bråthen is in place during this weekend’s World Cup race in Oberstdorf. Athlete Johann André Forfang, who is also an athlete representative and has spoken on behalf of the jumpers, is however in Germany and taking part in Saturday’s ski flight.
After Friday’s team competition, Forfang reacted, among other things, to Stöckl’s guest appearance on Dagsnytt 18 on NRK.
– That was not the agreement. So he now gets to rule. It’s hard to think anything about it until you know what he’s going to say. He is on a sympathy round in the media, Forfang told the state channel.
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Before Saturday’s race, Forfang was asked by Viaplay whether he regrets the comment directed at his coach.
– It was not necessary for any progress in any processes whatsoever. Yes, no, I was lured a bit out there, says Forfang to the rights holder.
Stöckl believed that the criticism from Forfang was unjustified and called it unfair.
– I stand up for the media, as I have always done. I have stood up in the media whether it is going well or badly. I was asked to come here and that’s why I came. It’s something I just have to do, it’s part of my job. I think it is very unfair to say that. It feels painful, quite simply, said the coach.
Forfang eventually finished eighth in Saturday’s competition.