Ryoyu Kobayashi Surpasses a Legend, Now Aiming for Another; Then Kamil Stoch

Ryoyu Kobayashi had the weekend in his favor. The Japanese ski jumper showcased his high form by winning both World Cup events in Sapporo on Saturday and Sunday. In the latest competition, after a strong first round that placed him in second, he secured the victory with an impressive jump of 137 meters in the second round.

With this win, Kobayashi not only celebrated his double triumph but also reached a significant milestone—achieving 34 World Cup victories. This accomplishment has enabled him to surpass the all-time tally of the ski jumping legend Jens Weissflog. Now, he is setting his sights on the record of another long-standing icon, Janne Ahonen, who has 36 wins.

Furthermore, Kobayashi is narrowing the gap to Kamil Stoch, who has accumulated 39 podium finishes and currently ranks fourth on the all-time list, tied with compatriot Adam Małysz. These events in Sapporo were the final World Cup contests before the World Championships in Nordic skiing (classical style) in Trondheim, which are scheduled to start on February 26.

The article underscores that although Kobayashi’s weekend did not deliver any surprising twists, his achievements mark another significant chapter in the evolving legacy of ski jumping, with Kamil Stoch’s record now in clear sight.