The 25-year-old Philipp Raimund sensationally won Olympic gold in ski jumping from the normal hill in Predazzo. Despite lacking individual World Cup wins, he outperformed all competitors with jumps of 102 and 106.5 meters. It marks Germany's fifth individual success in the discipline.
Philipp Raimund from Göppingen celebrated his greatest triumph in Predazzo. The extroverted ski jumper, who had never won an individual World Cup event, became Germany's fifth Olympic champion in history after Helmut Recknagel (1960), Hans-Georg Aschenbach (1976), Jens Weißflog (1984 and 1994), and Andreas Wellinger (2018). "I'm insanely proud of myself. No single World Cup win yet, but now Olympic gold," the 25-year-old said after the victory.
Raimund jumped 102 meters in the first round and led afterward. In the second round, a 106.5-meter jump sealed the triumph. Silver went to Poland's Kacper Tomasiak, while Japan's Ren Nikaido and Switzerland's Gregor Deschwanden shared bronze. Season dominator Domen Prevc from Slovenia finished only sixth.
National coach Stefan Horngacher praised Raimund: "Philipp is a really fine guy, a really fine person, and an incredible athlete. Extremely athletic, with an insane technique." Raimund had overcome height phobia with a psychologist's help and thrives under the pressure of big events. His family—mother Kathrin, brother Joel, and brother Fabian—celebrated with him; father Christian coaches the Swiss women's team, and sister Sina was absent.
Andreas Wellinger, himself a 2018 Olympic champion, rejoiced: "How awesome was that competition? Real great show." For Germany, it is the highlight of a tough season. The mixed team event follows on Tuesday, where Raimund has further chances.
