Kraft says goodbye to long-time companion

For over a decade, Stefan Kraft and Michael Hayböck have shared not only numerous successes on the ski jump, but also a room at countless competitions. But this era is now coming to an end for the two friends.

March 27, 2025

From: sn

Hayböck had already announced his retirement at the end of the current season a few weeks ago. Kraft took this opportunity to say goodbye to his longtime roommate, writing on Instagram: "One last dance with my roommate. In the eleven years we've been roommates, I've learned a lot from you, not only athletically but also personally. It was an honor, and there are so many successes and funny moments that I'll never forget."

Kraft and Hayböck have often attracted attention in the past for their close friendship. The two repeatedly attempted various challenges off the ski jump, such as lip reading, drawing, and general knowledge. Together, the dream team won, among other things, the Super Team competition in Lake Placid in February 2024. The two Austrians celebrated together at the 2014/15 Four Hills Tournament after Hayböck won the final competition and placed behind Kraft in the overall ranking.

Short and painless

Hayböck had already announced his decision on his own Instagram account at the beginning of February: "As some of you already know, I will end my career at the end of this season. Of course, this is not an easy decision, but it has matured over the last few months, and I am very happy to be leaving the stage with great jumps and in good health." As for life after his career, he is looking forward to the joys of fatherhood and the challenges ahead off the hill.

Stefan Kraft (l.) and Michael Hayböck get along splendidly. © APA/afp / JONATHAN NACKSTRAND

For many ski jumping fans, this marks the end of an era, as Kraft and Hayböck were considered a well-rehearsed duo who harmonised not only on the hill but also off it. The final farewell is likely to be emotional for the two friends. On Friday (individual) and Saturday (team), the two can be seen together on the receivers one last time before the final (individual) on Sunday, marking the end of the season.