PREDAZZO, Italy – A swirling snowstorm brought an abrupt and frustrating end to the men’s super team ski jumping competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics on , leaving Austria to claim the gold medal and Poland with a silver earned under unusual circumstances. With only three teams remaining to jump in the final round, officials halted the event, citing dangerous wind conditions and inconsistent surface quality.
The decision sparked immediate criticism from athletes still in contention, who felt the competition was prematurely concluded before a fair outcome could be determined. The Austrian team of Jan Hörl and Stephan Embacher, who had established a strong lead through the first two rounds, were ultimately awarded the gold. Poland’s Pawel Wasek and Kacper Tomasiak benefited significantly from the stoppage, moving up to silver medal position. Norway secured the bronze, narrowly edging out Germany by a mere 0.3 points.
Seventeen two-man teams initially participated, with the field narrowed to eight for the final three rounds of jumping. Austria had consistently performed well, demonstrating a clear advantage. However, the deteriorating weather conditions created a volatile environment, impacting jump distances and increasing the risk for competitors. The judges ultimately determined that the conditions were no longer conducive to a safe and equitable competition.
The abrupt halt proved particularly impactful for Poland. After experiencing disappointing jumps in the early stages of the final round, their prospects for a medal appeared to be fading. However, the decision to conclude the competition after the second round effectively preserved their standing, elevating them to the silver medal position. This result is particularly noteworthy for 19-year-old Kacper Tomasiak, who now boasts three medals at these Olympics – silver in the super team event, and previously earned silver and bronze in the individual competitions.
The margin separating Norway and Germany in the battle for bronze was incredibly tight. Just 0.3 points separated the two teams, a difference that translates to less than half a metre in jump distance. This underscores the precision and competitiveness of the sport, and the significant impact even the smallest variations can have on the final results. Johann Andre Forfang of Norway celebrated the bronze medal, a testament to the team’s consistent performance throughout the event.
The frustration among competitors was palpable. The early termination of the event denied teams the opportunity to showcase their skills in the final round and potentially alter the standings. While safety concerns were paramount, the decision left some athletes feeling that the competition was not allowed to reach its natural conclusion.
Germany, with Andreas Wellinger and Philipp Raimund, finished just off the podium, missing out on the bronze by the narrowest of margins. The team’s reaction, captured by Reuters, reflected the disappointment of falling short in such a close contest. Ren Nikaido of Japan and Philipp Raimund of Germany were also visibly frustrated after the final round was called.
The super team event, a relatively new addition to the Olympic program, is designed to showcase the combined skill and strategy of two-man teams. The format requires athletes to adapt to changing conditions and work seamlessly together to achieve optimal results. This year’s competition, however, will be remembered as much for the weather as for the athletic performances.
The outcome of this event raises questions about the protocols for handling inclement weather in ski jumping competitions. While athlete safety is always the top priority, the desire to ensure a fair and complete competition is also crucial. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) will likely review the procedures used in Predazzo to determine if adjustments are needed for future events.
Austria’s victory marks their first Olympic title in the men’s super team large hill ski jumping event. The win solidifies their position as a dominant force in the sport and provides a significant boost to their overall medal count at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. The team’s consistent performance throughout the competition, combined with the unfortunate circumstances of the final round, ultimately secured their place at the top of the podium.
The remainder of the ski jumping schedule at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics will continue with individual events. Athletes will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the weather conditions and hoping for more stable conditions to allow for a full and fair competition. The events will be held at the Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium, which has now become the site of a controversial, yet ultimately decisive, Olympic moment.
