High, higher, Heinis: A Frenchman on the rise

From his first career top 10 in Ruka to a record-breaking 233.5-meter flight in Kulm, Marco Heinis is enjoying the best season of his career.

The 23-year-old Frenchman not only set a new French Ski Flying record, but also the official Nordic Combined world record.
Known for his big jumps, funny faces, and relaxed personality, Heinis brings plenty of smiles to the circuit.

We caught up with him to talk breakthrough results, Olympic dreams, and why he's already aiming to fly even farther.

You made your World Cup debut in 2020 and had your best overall result this season. What has been the biggest step forward in your development over those years?

I’ve tried to keep the same vision throughout these years and not change everything from one season to the next. Together with the coaches, we worked on improving small details step by step instead of making huge changes. I think this helped me build more confidence and become more consistent over time. Every season I feel like I understand myself better as an athlete, especially in training and competition management.

You achieved your best Individual World Cup result with 9th place in Ruka last year. What clicked for you that weekend, and did it change your expectations for yourself?

I was really confident with my jumping that weekend, and I wanted to push as hard as possible on the skis. Everything came together really well and I felt amazing during the race. It was also the first time that I managed to keep my position after the skiing part, which gave me a really good feeling and a lot of confidence. Of course, results like this make you believe even more that you can fight with the best athletes.

You’re known as a very strong jumper and finished 8th in the Best Jumper Trophy. How have you been able to create such consistent results throughout the season on so many different hills?

I think we had a really strong summer preparation. We worked very well as a team and trained on many different hills, which helped me adapt more easily during the winter season. I also feel that I became more stable technically, so even when conditions were difficult or the hills were different, I could still trust my jumping. Consistency was one of my main goals this year.

At the Ski Flying premiere in Kulm you set a new French record of 233.5 meters. What was going through your mind before that jump and what does it mean to you to have that record now?

It was honestly an insane moment. Jump after jump I was having so much fun, and after every flight we were celebrating and cheering together with the coaches. The atmosphere was amazing and I only wanted to continue with the same energy and excitement. Then suddenly the record happened. It’s something really special for me and for French Nordic Combined, but now I know I still have to beat it again one day! (laughs)

With the IOC decision about the Olympic future of Nordic Combined happening in June, how much uncertainty does that create for you as an athlete right now?

I’m still confident about the progress of the sport and the direction it is taking. Of course, there is always some uncertainty when decisions like this are coming, but I try to stay positive and focus on my job as an athlete. I really hope Nordic Combined will continue to grow in the future. Fingers crossed for what comes next!

You competed in your first Olympics this year. Looking ahead to the 2030 Games in the French Alps, how special would it be for you to compete in front of your home crowd there?

I think my first Olympic experience was really good. It was my first time dealing with such a huge atmosphere and so much pressure, so it taught me a lot. Competing at home in 2030 would be something very special and probably one of the biggest moments of my career. I’m already looking forward to experiencing the crowds, the emotions and the stress again, but this time with the support of the French fans behind me.