Prevc claims historic Sapporo victory and ties Takanashi's all-time record

Jan 24, 2026·Ski Jumping

World Cup leader Nika Prevc (SLO) in action - ActionPress / FIS

World Cup leader NIka Prevc (SLO) returned to the top of the podium with victory in Sapporo, Japan, on Saturday, claiming her 12th win of the Olympic season.

The 20-year-old had never made it to the podium in Sapporo before, with her best result until today being a sixth-place finish last season. Prevc has now won a World Cup event in 18 different venues, tying the all-time record held by Sara Takanashi (JPN).

Prevc took an early 6.7-point lead over home favorite Nozomi Maruyama (JPN) in the opening round, travelling 129.0m, which earned her 138.9 points. The Slovenian star further extended her lead in the final round (128.0m for 140.5 points), finishing with a combined total of 279.4 points.

“I’m happy with this”, Prevc said afterward. “This is my first podium here (in Sapporo), and it's a win", she laughed. "Overall, I enjoy the hill here. I think I can be quite happy with my two jumps today. Of course, it’s my goal to win again (on Sunday).”

Abigail Strate (CAN), who was in third after the first round, moved up to second place thanks to an impressive second-round jump (130.0m for 142.0 points), finishing with a combined total of 273.9 points, 5.5 points behind Prevc.

"I'm really happy with today", Strate said. "I've been a little bit sick (recently), but I was able to make a good plan with the coaches and execute that on the jumps. Each one was a little step forward, so I'm really happy with how it's going. I'm having fun out there."

Anna Odine Stroem (NOR) rounded out the podium, moving up from fourth to third in the final round. "It was lovely to jump here in Sapporo again, in the final part of the Asia tour. It's been good so far and I hope to do well tomorrow too."

Home star Maruyama, who sat in second after the opening round, failed to hold onto that position with a dissapointing second round jump and ended up fourth on home snow. Selina Freitag (GER) rounded out the top five, ahead of Heidi Traaserud (NOR). Lisa Eder (AUT), who claimed victory in Zao earlier this week, finished in seventh.

Takanashi landed in 11th position.

Prevc now has a commanding 408-point lead over Maruyama in the overall World Cup rankings and is well on her way to a third straight Crystal Globe.

The women compete again on Sunday.