Domen Prevc unintentionally provided a curious moment at the World Cup. © AFP / JENS SCHLUETER

Skis go rogue: A bizarre incident at the Ski Flying World Championships

Japan won the team gold medal at the Ski Flying World Championships in Oberstdorf, ahead of Austria. Norway took bronze.

25 January 2026

From: cst/apa

Defending champions Slovenia fell back without a chance after a bizarre incident involving the dominant individual world champion Domen Prevc in the first round and finished sixth. Italy did not start.

Both of Prevc's skis slid past the Norwegian Marius Lindvik, who was ready to start, from the takeoff tower and down the inrun track during the fourth starting group. One of the skis traveled at high speed all the way to the outrun. Because the skis were not returned to Prevc at the start in time after the incident, the serial winner was not allowed to compete.

"Shock," but no disqualification after the faux pas.

According to FIS officials, Prevc's skis, which he had left in an undesignated spot during the pre-race equipment check, suddenly came loose. "It was a huge shock. We haven't experienced anything like this in decades. It was his own fault, but of course, you wouldn't wish that on the athlete," said FIS Equipment Director Andreas Bauer. He emphasized that Prevc had not committed any rules violation and was therefore allowed to start in the second run.