Out-of-form Schlierenzauer takes break from ski jumping

By foxsports
Published

VIENNA (AP) The Austrian ski federation says ski jumper Gregor Schlierenzauer is taking a break from competing but is aiming to return for the Four Hills Tour from Dec. 28-Jan. 6.

The World Cup record-holder with 53 individual wins will not travel to Nizny Tagil in Russia this weekend after a disappointing start to the season. His 14th place in Lillehammer, Norway, last Saturday was his best result.

In a statement by the federation, Schlierenzauer says, ''To get back to where I once was, I've changed and tried almost everything in the last few months. I've trained very hard but I just don't get the meters.''

A two-time overall World Cup champion, Schlierenzauer won the Four Hills Tour in 2012 and 2013.