Fantastic four for Prevc as focus turns to Olympics

Domen Prevc (SLO) reinforced his status as one of the favorites for Olympic glory with a fourth consecutive World Cup win in Willingen (GER). Sunday saw the descent of the fog once more in Germany, but the men’s competition soared above it in the final World Cup before Milano Cortina 2026. Prevc once again saved the best for last with a final jump of 152.5m to earn 293pts, 31.7pts clear of Ren Nikaido (JPN) in second (261.3pts).  The home fans also celebrated a second consecutive podium, as Philipp Raimund (GER) nailed jumps of 142.5m and 139.5m to finish third on 253.1pts.

“I just like to have a lot of fun and today the conditions were on my side. This morning I felt really good although it’s been a long weekend," said Prevc.

"I’m super happy that things are coming together at exactly the right time. It's the result of hard work over the last few seasons. And this year, especially, my everyday life was focused on doing something that will make me better, that will make me succeed.

"So I think if you work consistently every day, the results will come, no matter what."

The victory in Willingen is his 11th World Cup win and 17th podium of the season, alongside victories in the Ski Flying Championships and the Four Hills. His lead in the Crystal Globe standings is now 625pts, after second-placed Ryoyu Kobayashi (JPN) finished 18th in Willingen. The focus now turns to Milano Cortina and a potential first Olympic title.

“Of course there’s a pressure at the Olympics, but I think it will be lots of fun there and I’m really looking forward to it as my first Games,” continued Prevc.

"No matter what happens, I will still be happy at the end of the season. I will go, of course, focused, but mostly I will go there to enjoy the Olympics, to have as much fun as possible and to put on a show for all the spectators.

"I hope we (with sister Nika) will be able to achieve together something special. “

Nikaido strengthened his grip on third place in the overall standings thanks to the biggest jump of the day. Not even Prevc bested the 152.5m final effort from the Japanese athlete, who was lying seventh before his inspired second jump.

The loudest cheers of the day were reserved for the home stars who head to the Olympics on a high. Raimund’s third place is his first podium since December 13 and means he overtakes Jan Hoerl (AUT) in sixth place in the overall World Cup standings. It’s a return to form for the German, who has struggled with illness in 2026.

“After the Four Hills I had some trouble and got sick so I’m really glad that I’ve finally come back to my form before the most important competitions,” said Raimund.

“It’s the second podium I’ve ever had at home and especially in front of these fans in Willingen it’s amazing!”

Amazing could also describe the reception for Andreas Wellinger (GER), who jumped 150.5m in the final round to secure his second top 10 finish of the weekend. He was one of only three competitors, alongside Prevc and Nikaido, to surpass 150m on Sunday. Compatriot Felix Hoffmann almost equalled it with 149.5m to the delight of the home fans. Three Germans in the top 10 gave them plenty to cheer.

And Raimund thinks the weekend's strong results bode well for the upcoming Olympics.

"I'll give 100%. I'm really looking forward to my first Olympic Games. I'll also make sure that I can perform at my highest level there. If I make two super jumps, that could be very cool. But otherwise, I think the chances are very positive.

"We are definitely within striking distance, both in the Individual and in the Super Team, as well. I think something could be possible there."