"Grandpa" Aims for Olympics – Austrian Ski Jumpers Shine Against Ski-Jumping Grandpa Kasai

Originally published in krone.at on January 30, 2025

Noriaki Kasai, a legendary figure in ski jumping and a record-holder in the Guinness Book for achievements such as the most World Cup starts and the most Olympic participations, is still competing at the age of 52. Despite his impressive resume – which includes three Olympic medals and several records – Kasai is currently racing in the second-tier Continental Cup. At the weekend, during six competitions, he was up against Klagenfurt’s young talent Markus Müller, who managed to secure top positions (including two jumps in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places) and thereby regained a fixed ticket for upcoming World Cup events.

Kasai narrowly missed out on a direct qualification for the World Cup season and is now looking to continue his career in the Continental Cup, where he mostly competes in front of nearly empty stands. Nevertheless, the veteran shows no signs of retiring, maintaining his dream to qualify for the 2026 Olympic Games in Turin. According to former ski jumper Martin Koch from Carinthia, Kasai’s ambition is both admirable and controversial, as his continued participation, while inspiring, could raise doubts among younger competitors in a full World Cup setting. Koch also remarks that the system in Japan, where many ski jumpers are employed by companies, allows for a longer career.

Young Markus Müller, at just 22, made a name for himself in the competition by consistently performing well against Kasai. Müller’s results have already earned him a fixed World Cup spot for upcoming events in Willingen, Lake Placid, and Sapporo. He expressed satisfaction with his performance and demonstrated his hope to further prove himself among the world’s best in the sport.

The article underscores the contrast between a revered veteran still chasing Olympic dreams and a rising star determined to establish his place on the World Cup circuit. It also reflects on the unique cultural and organizational differences in the sport between Japan and Austria.