Japanese Ski Jumper Sets New World Record with Furthest Jump of 955 Feet

Japanese ski jumper Ryōyū Kobayashi set a new world record on Wednesday, April 24, when he jumped an incredible 955 feet or 291 meters from the launch point. The 27-year-old attempted the record at a purpose-built ski jump in Iceland.

“It’s difficult to put this feeling into words. This is my dream come true. This experience will up-level my career, this record will be my source of strength going forward. Last September, when I first visited this place, all I saw was a rock. It was hard to imagine this place covered in snow then, but I knew this place had the perfect natural slope. I could not have asked for a better ski jump hill. This was an incredible experience.”
— Ryōyū Kobayashi

Kobayashi soared through the air for around ten seconds before landing perfectly, breaking the previous record by a whole 123 feet (37.5 meters). The previous record of 832 feet (253.5 meters) was set by Austrian Stefan Kraft. Kobayashi’s goal had been to jump an even 300 meters (984 feet) but still obliterated the previous record by fellow ski jumper Kraft. Kraft is the 23/24 World Cup Season Men’s Overall Ski Jumping Title holder while Kobayashi is ranked second, however, the record is not recognized by the International Ski Federation (FIS) because the Red Bull-sponsored jump did not comply with FIS guidelines.

If you are wondering what’s next for someone who just smashed a world record by such a big margin, Kobayashi has the answer, “I know 300 meters was the goal I set but I’d love to challenge again.” So, watch this space!