JAPANESE SKI STAR RYOYU KOBAYASHI FLIES 291 METERS, WORLD RECORD DENIED

The world of skiing is abuzz with the latest feat achieved by a Japanese ski jumper, Ryoyu Kobayashi. 

Kobayashi recently hit the headlines when he soared to a record-shattering distance of 291 meters on a specially constructed ski jump.

He made the record in the Icelandic ski resort of Hlidarfjall during a campaign organized by drinks manufacturer Red Bull. 

For context, the previous world record in ski flying was 253.5 meters, set by Stefan Kraft of Austria in the men’s category.

The record is 230.5 meters in the women’s category, and it stands with Norway’s Silje Opseth.

So, if we look at the numbers, the Japanese ski jumper seems to have broken the world record. But it’s not, and the reasons are technical.

Rules dictate the terms

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has confirmed Kobayashi’s flight will not be recognized as an official world record.

With this, the official world record in ski jump is still held by Kraft and Opseth in their respective categories. 

The FIS, the official body governing skiing across the world, has given a detailed statement explaining why Kobayashi’s landmark jump won’t be considered the new world record.

All official FIS ski jumping and ski flying events must strictly adhere to the FIS International Competition Rules (ICRs).

These rules are designed to ensure a completely fair and level playing field for every single athlete competing.

For record consideration, ski flying competitions must use FIS-certified distance measurement systems. Additionally, the competition has to occur on a FIS-approved ski flying hill to ensure results accurately compare to other jumps made under similar conditions.

Kobayashi jumped on a hill made of snow, which doesn’t follow the FIS rules.

Furthermore, the FIS has rules about everything, even the gear jumpers use. They check things like the length of the skis and the type of suit to make sure no one has an unfair advantage.

Kobayashi’s jump didn’t have this kind of official check.

Moreover, record-breaking jumps can happen only during official competitions under guidelines set by the FIS. But Ryoyu Kobayashi’s jump in Iceland was more like a special event under highly specific, tailored conditions.

This makes it impossible for the governing body to officially compare his results with jumps made in standard FIS Ski Flying World Cup events.

Still, an incredible feat

While it’s not an official record, Kobayashi’s jump was a stunning show of skill. Ski jumpers do not usually fly this far.

He sailed 291 meters through the air (that’s about 955 feet). To put that in perspective, Kobayashi beat the current world record by almost 40 meters.

Expressing his joy, Kobayashi stated, “It’s difficult to put this feeling into words. This is my dream come true.” Interestingly, he had aimed to breach the 300-meter mark. 

“I know 300 meters was the goal I set, but I’d love to challenge again,” he declared, hinting at a future attempt to break that legendary distance. 

The FIS also looks forward to Kobayashi competing in next winter’s World Cup, where he’ll have the opportunity to challenge the official record.

Kobayashi is a decorated ski jumper, having two overall World Cup titles and individual gold and silver medals from the 2022 Olympics under his belt.

2024-04-26T13:37:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd