He's 52 and Still Not Satisfied! Noriaki Kasai Reveals His Goal

He's 52 and Still Not Satisfied! Noriaki Kasai Reveals His Goal

Originally published in Przegląd Sportowy Onet on February 16, 2025

Noriaki Kasai, one of the most legendary ski jumpers in World Cup history, made his appearance in a recent competition at Sapporo. Debuting in the 1988/1989 season, he has continuously demonstrated his passion for ski jumping over the decades. Despite a modest 45th place finish that prevented him from advancing to the second series, Kasai was candid in stating that his goal is to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Although he no longer participates regularly on the World Cup circuit, his presence is still strongly felt, especially in contests held in Japan. Kasai emphasized his love for the sport and his commitment to keep pushing his limits, even if reaching the world championships may no longer be realistic. His storied career, which includes podium finishes on the World Cup and medal-winning performances at previous Olympic Games, continues to inspire fans and competitors alike.