Co-commentator for ski jumping: New role for injured Nordic combined athlete Maria Gerboth
After tearing her cruciate ligament last fall, Nordic combined athlete Maria Gerboth will miss the Olympic season due to injury. However, the 23-year-old will still be involved in the AXA Winterwochen – Thüringen 2026 in Oberhof – in a new role.
Maria, after tearing your cruciate ligament in the fall, you had to undergo knee surgery. How are you doing?
The rehab is going very well so far, I'm very happy. I can feel my strength coming back. And I'm also regaining more stability and confidence.
Are you already thinking about training again?
I've actually been cross-country skiing, even for a little longer, an hour and a half. That went really well. But ski jumping will take quite a while longer.
How much does it hurt not to be able to participate in the weekend – a special winter sports weekend in Oberhof?
Very much so, especially because I really like the ski jump and enjoy training here. I would have liked to compete in a World Cup on my doorstep because some of my family would have come to watch. But I'm glad that I'm feeling so well again and that I can support the organizers in a different role.
What is the other new role?
I will be at the ski jump as a co-commentator and explain a few details that spectators as laymen might not see.
How are you preparing for this new job?
Basically, a commentator thrives on spontaneity. I know the technical aspects and what is important, but I can't predict how the jumps will go. I see the PCR jumps on Friday as a dress rehearsal. I know all the athletes, and I have a very good relationship with some of them. So I might reveal some insider information here and there.
How critical are you allowed to be?
I can tell when a jump was too late. But we won't be analyzing every jump down to the smallest detail (laughs).
Interview: Susann Eberlein