Stunning ME jump in ski jumping created in a rare way – surprising Finnish connection

What's buzzing?

The FIS World Cup season in ski jumping ended somewhat unexpectedly when Slovenia's Domen Prevc soared to a new world record of 254.5 meters at the Planica ski jump in front of his home crowd.

This was not just a single extraordinary jump; the 26-year-old launched himself to a distance of 245 meters in his first jump of the round.

This was the first time in 20 years that a world record has been set in Planica. During the 2004-2005 season, Matti Hautamäki achieved this once, and Norway’s Björn Einar Romören did it twice subsequently.

Hautamäki jumped 235.5 meters during a season-ending competition, but Romören later improved this with a world record jump of 239 meters in the same competition. Hautamäki had a strong presence in Planica, being responsible for three world records in 2003.

Matti Hautamäki had a great time in Planica, winning a competition there in spring 2005. Image: / All Over Press

Janne Ahonen clocked a 240-meter jump two decades ago, but that world record remained with his Norwegian colleague, Romören.

After that season, the world record was broken six times during the ski flying competitions in Vikersund. This was achieved by Norway’s Johan Remen Evensen (twice), Anders Fannemel, Robert Johansson, Slovenia’s Peter Prevc, and Austria’s Stefan Kraft.

Kraft's world record (253.5) stood for eight years, until Prevc broke it now in Planica.

Prevc, competing against his childhood rival Niko Kytösaho, earned his first individual World Cup victory in Ruka in 2016 at just 17 years old. This season, he won three ski flying competitions. In the season finale, the top spot went to fellow countryman Anze Lanisek ahead of Prevc.

What’s this about?

In a surprising turn, Tomas Kuisman debuted at the ski flying event but experienced an unusual end to his competition.

The 20-year-old Finnish athlete had his qualifying jump canceled after his suit was found to have a small tear. As per FIS rules, a competitor's suit must be intact. This unfortunate incident took place during the first round on Saturday, preventing Finland from advancing to the next stage.

Yle Sports expert Janne Ahonen recounted his own experience of competing with a torn suit, stating he noticed it on the launching platform and managed to jump without making an issue out of it.

This was Tomas Kuisma’s first competition in ski flying. Image: Natasa Kupljenik/SPP/Shutterstock/All Over Press

Disappointment?

The skiing season is concluding, and it's understandable that not all of Finland's top athletes participated in the final national competitions.

Especially in the men's category, the competitive landscape remains broad behind Iivo Niskanen, creating interest in seeing Remi Lindholm, Arsi Ruuskanen, Ristomatti Hakola, and Ville Ahonen go head-to-head in the Finnish Cup.

The Finnish Cup competition in Iisalmi did not include prominent competitors like Hakola, Ruuskasen, Ville Ahonen, Markus Vuorela, and the injured Perttu Hyvärinen.

Perhaps more intense competition awaits in this week's Taivalkoski Finnish Championships.

Ristomatti Hakola did not compete in Iisalmi. Image: Mikko Lieri / All Over Press

Who surprised?

Miro Karppanen, a 26-year-old from Imatran Urheilijat, had a strong finish to his season. During the World Cup finals at Salpausselkä, Karppanen achieved his career-best, finishing 16th in the 50 km race.

On Saturday, he achieved his first personal victory in the Finnish Cup by outpacing Lauri Vuorinen and his companions in the 20 km classic race.

Having rarely participated in World Cup events, the athlete tuned his condition by competing in long Ski Classics races.

Yle Sports expert Jussi Piirainen stated that Karppanen's potential has been known for years, highlighting his rarity as a Finnish skier able to maintain stamina and speed, especially at the finish where most races are decided.

He expressed hope that Karppanen might see action in next winter's Olympic team for Milan-Cortina. He noted that Karppanen himself commented in an interview that the dream of the Olympics is alive, as recent races have shown promise. With just a bit more elevation of his level and early season successes, he could participate in more World Cup events and strengthen his position for the upcoming major competitions.

Miro Karppanen stands out as an exceptional skier among Finns. Image: All Over Press

Karppanen is an intriguing wildcard in Finnish men's skiing. He has yet to compete in adult championships, yet his current form positions him as a potential name for next winter's Milan-Cortina Olympic team.

He noted that recent races have demonstrated that possibilities exist.

What’s next?

Antti Tuisku will compete in some final Finnish Championships this week. Image: Mikko Lieri / AOP

The domestic skiing season will conclude this weekend as Taivalkoski hosts the final national championships of the 2024-2025 season.

Scheduled events include interval-start classics, relay competitions, and long races in freestyle which will culminate with the SM championships.

Iivo Niskanen announced after the Finnish Cup in Iisalmi that his season is capped. Besides numerous national stars, former pop star Antti Tuisku is set to compete in his last skiing competitions.