Embacher makes history with third straight Junior Worlds title

Austria’s Stephan Embacher has become the first male ski jumper to win three Junior World titles with victory on the Normal Hill in Lillehammer. The 20-year-old, who celebrated his first Olympic gold last month in the Men’s Super Team at Milano Cortina 2026, held off the challenge of Kacper Tomasiak (POL) and Jason Colby (USA) to claim an historic victory.

“I felt good and I knew that the other guys were jumping good as well but I did a great job today and I’m really happy,” smiled Embacher.

“There was nothing in my mind at the top except I need to keep myself together and then things would be alright.”

Embacher joins Sara Takanashi (JPN) as the only ski jumpers to be crowned Junior World Champion three times. His 2026 victory also extends his record as the most decorated athlete in Junior Worlds history, with eight medals in total including seven golds.

Tomasiak celebrated another career milestone after winning two silvers and a bronze at last month’s Winter Olympics. His silver medal in Lillehammer is his first individual podium finish at the Junior Worlds.

“I feel quite good. The jumps weren’t perfect but I think it was a good battle between me and Stephan,” he reflected.

Colby’s bronze is also his first individual Junior Worlds medal, adding to the Mixed Team silver and Men’s Team bronze he won in Lake Placid last year.

“It feels great, I’m happy I was able to put down two good jumps. I have an apartment here and live here for most of the year so it's extra special,” said the American.

The race for the medals became clear after the opening round, when Embacher, Tomasiak and Colby were the only athletes to score over 140pts. All three jumped 98m, but it was the Austrian who claimed the lead after he jumped from a lower gate. His total of 148.2pts was 4.5pts ahead of Tomasiak, who was 3.5pts ahead of Colby.

In the final round, Colby set the mark to beat with a jump of 96m for a total of 276pts. Tomasiak rose to the challenge, jumping 97m to overtake him on 287.3pts. But Embacher saved the best for last, landing the longest jump of the day with 98.5m to claim gold with 296.5pts.

Lukas Haagen (AUT), Felix Trunz (SUI) and Ilya Mizernykh (KAZ) rounded out the top six. It’s another landmark results for the latter, who last month achieved Kazakhstan’s best-ever Olympic result with eighth place at Milano Cortina 2026.

Competition in Lillehammer continues with the Team events, starting on Friday with the women. You can watch the action live on FIS TV.