Kvandal wows in Willingen for first World Cup win of the season

Eirin Maria Kvandal (NOR) denied Crystal Globe-leader Nika Prevc (SLO) a fifth consecutive individual World Cup victory with a stunning performance in Willingen (GER). The Norwegian recorded the two biggest jumps of the day to finish on 235.7pts, 11.3pts clear of the Slovenian superstar in second.

It’s Kvandal’s first win and third podium of the World Cup season so far in the final weekend of competition before the 2026 Winter Olympics. Her last World Cup victory? Also in Willingen - 364 days ago.

“I am so happy with my jumps today, it was really fun competing today,” beamed Kvandal.

“The atmosphere was amazing. It’s nice to prove I have the top level when needed."

In more settled conditions than those of Friday’s Mixed Team competition, Kvandal was the surprise leader after the opening round with a jump of 138.5m for 113.6pts. Prevc recorded an opening effort of 133m for a points total of 107.2, with Nozomi Maruyama (JPN) in third on 100.4pts.

After Prevc improved with a second jump of 135m in the final round, the pressure was on Kvandal to hold on to top spot. But the Norwegian answered in style with the biggest jump of the day at 143.5m. It’s the second consecutive year that she has won in Willingen.

Home heroes deliver

A huge ovation from the home fans greeted Katharina Schmid (GER) in the opening round. The two-time Olympic silver medalist is jumping at her last-ever home World Cup, after announcing her retirement at the end of the season. Schmidt finished eighth on 179pts with jumps of 115.5m and 126.5m. She was one of three Germans in the top 10, led by Agnes Reisch (191pts) in fourth and Selina Freitag (182.9pts) in sixth.

Kvandal’s victory denied Prevc her 14th World Cup victory of the season and what would have been a record-breaking 19th different winning venue. But the Slovenian’s second place extends her Crystal Globe lead over Maruyama to 506 points.

Lisa Eder (AUT) holds on to third in the overall standings despite a 15th-place finish. But Norway’s Anna Odine Stroem has closed the gap after a second jump of 137.5m earned her fifth place in Willingen.

Competition wraps up in Germany on Sunday with the second individual World Cup of the weekend before the Olympics get underway on February 6.

FIS SKI JUMPING WORLD CUP – WILLINGEN (GER) SCHEDULE

01.02.2026
11:45 – Start Qualification – Men’s LH
13:15 – Competition Start – Women’s LH
16:00 – Competition Start – Men’s LH
All times listed in CET and are subject to change.