Winter Sports: German Teen Sensation Tops Historic Coup

19-Year-Old Tops Her Own Sensation

Nathalie Armbruster, a 19-year-old Nordic Combined athlete, made history on Saturday as the first German female to win a World Cup event. Just 24 hours later, she proved unbeatable by clinching the coveted Seefeld Triple, where she delivered a superb jump of 97.0 m and secured a 53-second advantage over double world champion Gyda Westvold Hansen. In the cross-country part of the competition, Armbruster extended her lead, finishing 1:24.3 minutes ahead of Hansen, with Haruka Kasai of Japan taking third place. Notably, Norway’s Ida Marie Hagen, who had been disqualified the previous day for a non-compliant suit, did not start.

Overwhelmed by Victory

After her victory, Armbruster, who is also preparing to sit her final exams later this year, expressed her disbelief and emotion: "I never expected to celebrate a World Cup win this year—I’m so overwhelmed that I fought back tears." National coach Florian Aichinger shared in the excitement, calling it a historic day for the team after years of near misses. With this win, Armbruster has not only ended 14 podium finishes without a victory but has also taken the overall lead in the World Cup standings as she gears up for the World Championships in Trondheim.