The biggest surprise in ski jumping at Lillehammer.

Ski jumping

Maximilian Ortner’s presence on the podium in the first World Cup contest in Lillehammer is nothing short of a sensation. The Austrian had not even been included in his country's squad for this event. In sports, it's often the case that the misfortune of one provides an opportunity for another, and the 22-year-old seized his chance to the best of his ability.

Ortner got the opportunity to compete at Lillehammer at the very last minute, benefiting from Daniel Huber's injury, and he landed the lowest step on the podium when initially, nothing indicated that his first start of the season would be so successful.

In the qualifications for Saturday's contest, Ortner jumped a distance of 126.5 meters, achieving 18th place. However, after the first round of the competition, he was in fifth place with a jump of 132 meters. In the final round, he achieved 131.5 meters, securing a spot on the podium in just his third World Cup competition!

“I don’t know what’s happening. It’s indescribable what just occurred. My dream has come true,” Ortner was quoted as saying by sports.orf.at.

Previously, Ortner had only competed in Bischofshofen in 2023 and in Innsbruck last season. He had only scored points in the last competition of the Four Hills Tournament, finishing in 28th place. Last season, this 22-year-old won the overall ranking of the Continental Cup.

"A calm and composed young ski jumper who shies away from the spotlight and prefers to stay in the background. He personally values harmony and tranquility, but on the jumping hill, a completely different side of his personality emerges," read an article on kleinezeitung.at about Ortner.

He admits that his idol is Thomas Morgenstern.

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