Sven Hannawald was a former German ski jumper from 1992 to 2004. He is the only sportsman in history, who won all four stages at Four Hills Tournament, so called "Big Helmet".
Twice silver medalist of the world cup overall, seasons 2001-02 and 2002-03. Silver medalist at the Olympic Games 2002 in individuals and the winner in teams.
The third person in history to achieve perfect marks from all five judges (20 points maximum).
Background
Sven Hannawald was born in Erlabrunn, East Germany. His parents, Regina und Andreas Hannawald, married after his birth.
He started his career in Nordic Combined, later changing for ski jumping because of his good results in this discipline. In 1998 he won silver medal at the Ski Flying World Championships in Oberstdorf and became second at the Olympic Games in Nagano in team.
Later on became one of the most successful ski jumpers, competing with Adam Małysz.
After retirement from big sport in 2004 because of long lasting depression (burnout syndrome) started playing football as a striker of TSV Burgau and took part in motorsport races.
Education
He received a degree in Communication Electronics, a branch, which was studied in Germany from 1987 to 2003.
Career
Early career:
In 1987 in Oberwiesenthal he won three disciplines in Nordic Combined in Spartakiad.
In 1992 became third in team at Junior Championships in Vuokotti.
After that Sven couldn't adopt to pro series and was nearly dismissed from the first team. Howewer, he was supported by his coaches, Reinhard Heß and Wolfgang Steiert. He began showing his talent at the end of the century.
Mid career:
In 1998 became second at Flying World Championships. He also won it in 2000 and 2002.
He also became the winner of German national Championships from 1998 to 2000 and became second in 2003
Became second at the world championships in 1999 in individuals and won gold medal in team.
Peak of the career:
In season 2001-02 he won Four Hills Tournament, being the first at all for stages. He won gold medal in Solt Lake city with his team, being ahead of Finland only by 0.1 point. He was second at the first day in individuals and became fourth at the second day, falling down in the second attempt, after leading in the first run.
In 2002-03 he became second in the world cup for the second time in a row. He didn't finish the next season due to bad results and psycho problems. In 2005 he announced the finish of his professional career.
In 2013 Hannawald published his autobiography "Mein Höhenflug, mein Absturz, meine Landung im Leben".
Second place in teams at the Olympic Games in Nagano in 1998.
2001-02 Four Hills Tournament winner.
Second place at the Olympic Games in 2002 in individuals and first place in teams.
Twice silver medalist of world cup general classification.
Two times World Ski Championships winner in teams. (1999, 2001)
Two times Flying World Championships winner. (2000, 2002)
18 victories in World Cup.
Religion
Undefined.
Politics
Undefined.
Views
Carpe diem - and have as much fun as possible!
Quotations:
"Ich mach' einfach mein Zeug" ("I just do my own thing")
Personality
With 1.84 m height and 62 kg weight Hannawald had great qualities to become a good ski jumper.
His personality however is quite controversial, since it can be described as strong and weak simultaneously. He won all four stages at Four Hills Tournament, during which he always skipped the qualifications. Thus, he received number 50 for the main round and had to beat the best from qualis in elimination round.
But he finished second twice in a row in the world cup and couldn't beat Adam Małysz at the end of the season. He also failed to win the Olympic Games in 2002. Leading after the first jump he fell in the second after a great jump of Simon Ammann. Sven Hannawald retired from sport because of psychological problems and under stress of bigger expectations.
Quotes from others about the person
"I don't know how I'm doing this," he admitted after achieving his fifth straight World Cup victory in mid-January 2002.
"Sport was something I really liked during my school time. It made me happy, but not my teachers"
“Although I know the Hockenheimring like the back of my hand, it will only be a small advantage. I’m not looking to finish in any specific position. Even though I’m very much a perfectionist, the Olympic spirit ‘about taking part’ is what counts more for me when it comes to motorsport.”
Interests
Baking cookies and sunbathing
Sport & Clubs
Tennis, inline skating
Music & Bands
Pop, hip hop
Connections
He was in a relationship with Alena Gerber, a German model. Has a son from the first marriage with his ex-wife Nadine and a younger sister. Currently has relationships with Maria-Teresa.
