Philipp Raimund was crowned Olympic champion. © ANSA / FILIP SINGER

A German is an Olympic ski jumping champion.

First Winter Games, first gold: Philipp Raimund has sensationally crowned himself Olympic champion in ski jumping. The 25-year-old won the competition on the normal hill in Predazzo, Italy.

February 09, 2026

From: Leo/dpa

Raimund triumphed in the first Olympic ski jumping competition of his career, beating silver medalist Kacper Tomasiak of Poland. Japan's Ren Nikaido and Switzerland's Gregor Deschwanden shared third place. Raimund has never won an individual World Cup event. For the German team, this victory marks the high point of a very difficult season plagued by numerous disappointments.

"It was similar to how it was here in the summer. Before the first jump, I was incredibly nervous. Everyone's here. I don't know how I did it, but I'm so, so proud. Now I'm an Olympic champion, it's unbelievable," said Raimund, adding: "Having never won a single World Cup and then to be standing on the biggest stage, at the very top, it's incredible."

Season-dominant Prevc disappoints

The spectators in the packed ski jumping stadium witnessed a thrilling competition. Unlike so often this winter in the World Cup, Slovenian Domen Prevc didn't leave everyone in his dust this time. The season's dominant ski jumper and Four Hills Tournament winner finished only sixth. Raimund put on a great show this time. Numerous German fans who had traveled to the event cheered the Göppingen native.

Alex Insam underperformed. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

The race didn't go as planned for Alex Insam, who missed the second round with a jump of 99,5 meters. Ultimately, the Wolkenstein native had to settle for 37th place. The best Italian was Giovanni Bresadola in 19th place. The duo will be back in action on Tuesday when the mixed team competition on the normal hill is scheduled (6:45 p.m.).