Japan's Ski Jump Legend Eyes Double Gold at Winter Olympics

When Ryoyu Kobayashi steps up to the starting gate this February, he won't just be carrying Japan's hopes. He'll be cementing his place as one of the greatest ski jumpers in history.

The numbers tell an incredible story. At just 29, Kobayashi has won 37 World Cup events, making him sixth on the all-time victory list. That's more than double the total of Kazuyoshi Funaki, Japan's star from the 1998 Nagano Games who ended his career with 15 wins.

Kobayashi's golden season came in 2018-19 when he swept every major competition in the sport. He claimed the World Cup overall title, the Four Hills Tournament, and three other major championships in a single year. He's also recorded the longest jump in history at 291 meters, though it remains unofficial.

But the pressure of being a favorite doesn't seem to rattle him. "My goal is to fly high and create excitement at the venue and the medal will follow," Kobayashi told reporters in Tokyo this week. "My biggest opponent is myself."

His approach to the sport centers on consistency and dedication. Kobayashi maintains strict fitness routines and diet habits, but says his real secret is simple: "to live to jump." That passion shows in his preparation and his mental game.

The nerves are real, though. Kobayashi admits the toughest moment comes before a second jump when he's leading. Hearing the crowd roar for a competitor who just flew farther gets his heart racing, but it also fires him up.

Why This Inspires

Kobayashi represents a rare combination of natural talent and relentless dedication. He's not just chasing personal glory. He carries the dreams of a nation that posted its best-ever Winter Games medal haul in Beijing with 18 total medals.

His teammates include returning medalists like snowboarder Ayumu Hirano and speedskater Miho Takagi. Figure skater Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, will also compete. But all eyes will be on Kobayashi as he attempts to win both the normal-hill and large-hill events.

The normal-hill medal round begins at 4 a.m. Japan time on February 10, with the large-hill event following on February 15. Millions across Japan will wake up early or stay up late to watch.

Kobayashi also carries some disappointment to Italy. His home city of Sapporo was expected to host the 2030 Winter Games but withdrew following scandals from Tokyo's 2020 Summer Olympics. "From an athlete's point of view, the fact that the bid was given up is something that's very regrettable," he said.

Still, his focus remains on the present and the opportunity ahead. With 37 victories already in the books and potentially more glory waiting in the Italian Alps, Kobayashi is writing one of ski jumping's greatest stories one jump at a time.