ÖSV eagle Daniel Huber

“You think about whether it all still makes sense”

Daniel Huber reviews the season.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

From the operating table back to the podium: ÖSV ski jumper Daniel Huber talks about an eventful year. The double pole in the ski flying double with his buddy Stefan Kraft was "like a dream".

"I had an operation exactly one year ago," says ski jumper Daniel Huber, looking back on the past. His hip was causing him problems, as was his knee. "When I woke up, my feet were tied to the bed." He hadn't known about this, but he still didn't panic. "It was a good sign that the operation had worked. It was important for the healing process that I hardly moved."

The Salzburg native is a stand-up guy and had one goal during his rehab: to make it back to the top. Although he admits: "I always approached things quite positively. But when you come 17th twice at the Austrian Championships, you start to think about whether it all still makes sense."

Daniel Huber at the Four Hills Tournament in Bischofshofen(Bild: GEPA pictures)

"You forget everything around you"
The 31-year-old also fought his way out of this valley. Coach Alex Diess was a great support to him, as was physio Florian Greimel and his family. "It's extremely nice when you come home and play with the little one. You forget everything around you," grins the proud father of a daughter.

At the same time, Huber's sporting ambition got the better of him. Strong training sessions served as motivation for him, as did a series of podium places in the second-class Conticup. The team Olympic champion from Beijing 2022 repeatedly brought himself into play with head coach Andreas Widhölzl and earned himself a World Cup ticket.

He repaid the trust placed in him. Third overall in the Raw Air, second and winner in Vikersund - and then on the podium with his buddy Stefan Kraft. "It was like a dream. We've known each other for 20 years and have been talking about the double pole for ages. He's already had many, now it's finally worked out together."

Final in Planica
The feeling of having landed in the world class again is indescribable. "The desire to fly in Planica is extreme." The Eagles will be competing in their season finale there this week, with the men's qualifiers taking place today and the final competition for the women (on the normal hill). Huber is hoping for "a few 240s", but above all is grateful to be healthy again and able to do his job. After all, things were very different a year ago.