Austria Wins Gold in Debut Olympic Ski Jump Super Team

Two Austrian ski jumpers soared to Olympic gold on Monday, winning the debut of a new event that's opening doors for more countries to compete on winter sports' biggest stage.

Jan Hoerl and Stephan Embacher captured Austria's first ski jumping medal of the 2026 Milan Cortina Games in the men's super team event. The competition replaced the traditional four-man team format with two-person teams, allowing 17 nations to participate in the inaugural event.

Heavy snow and wind shortened the competition, but not before Poland secured silver and Norway took bronze. For Embacher, competing in his first Olympics, the moment was unforgettable. Hoerl brought championship experience from Austria's team gold in Beijing 2022.

Poland's Kacper Tomasiak continued his breakout Olympic performance, adding another medal in just his first year on the World Cup circuit. The rookie has become one of the Games' most exciting stories, proving that fresh talent can shine on the world's biggest stage.

Why This Inspires

The new format is changing who gets to compete. With smaller team sizes, more countries can field Olympic ski jumpers without needing deep rosters of elite athletes.

Norway's Johann André Forfang found redemption on the hill after a difficult year. The veteran, who won gold and silver in 2018, hadn't performed well in these Games until Monday's breakthrough.

The American team of Kevin Bickner and Tate Frantz reached the final round, finishing eighth overall. Their performance demonstrates how the new format creates more opportunities for nations building their ski jumping programs.

Slovenia, Germany, and Japan also competed in the finals, showcasing the event's global reach. Each jump brought countries together in a sport that continues to evolve and grow more inclusive.

The Austrian victory proves that experience and fresh energy make a powerful combination when given the chance to fly.