Alex Insam dreams of a World Cup victory.

After a disappointing trip to Asia without any World Cup points, Alex Insam put on a very good performance on Thursday during the qualification for the Ski Flying World Championships in Oberstdorf (Germany).

22 January 2026

From: leo

Wolkensteiner finished in 23rd place thanks to a jump of 191,5 meters. Only 40 qualified for the final, which takes place over four rounds on Friday and Saturday. Insam even had some bad luck with the wind, but nevertheless cleared the qualifying hurdle confidently in front of 3.700 spectators. Giovanni Bresadola (36th) is the second Italian to qualify for the final.

Insam has already competed in four Ski Flying World Championships in his career. His best result came in 2024 when he finished 18th in Bad Mitterndorf. The 28-year-old's personal best is 234 meters, which he set last year in Planica.

Prevc back in front

Slovenian Domen Prevc (228,5 meters) and Austria's Stephan Embacher (227 meters) left the competition in their dust on Thursday. Prevc achieved this impressive distance despite a significantly shortened run-up. While all his competitors started from gate 22, he took his run-up from gate 19. Austrian Jan Hörl finished third.

Domen Prevc was unbeatable. © AFP / TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA

Reigning ski flying world champion Stefan Kraft will start the competition, having finished seventh in the qualifying round. Andreas Wellinger, silver medalist two years ago, failed to qualify for the German team and will be absent on Friday and Saturday.

Keywords Winter sports Ski jumping Ski Flying World Championships Alex Insam