Villach, Austria - Eva Pinkelnig demonstrated resilience and skill by winning the Women’s Ski Jumping World Cup competition held on Monday at the Normal Hill in Villach. The 36-year-old from Vorarlberg clinched her victory with impressive jumps, securing her 16th World Cup triumph and matching the record set by her compatriot Daniela Iraschko-Stolz.
This win marks Pinkelnig's return to form after experiencing difficulties throughout the season, where she had only reached the podium once prior, placing third during the New Year's competition at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Her success at Villach couldn't have come at a more opportune time, especially after finishing seventh the previous day. She conquered the competition with vicinities having variable wind conditions, leading to tight scores among the top jumpers.
Pinkelnig's strong performance reduced her competitors' chances significantly, as she finished with 7.1 points clear of Germany’s Katharina Schmid, who secured the second spot with jumps of 91.5 and 90 meters. Nika Prevc from Slovenia, who had been leading after the first round, finished third. Despite fierce competition, Pinkelnig exhibited exceptional confidence, particularly during her final jump where she achieved the day’s highest distance, 96 meters.
Reflecting on her performance, Pinkelnig expressed gratitude and emotion: "Yes, my emotions came out differently yesterday. There were some tears. The last weeks and months have not been easy. It's incredible how strong I managed to keep it together and secure this victory. This win is the icing on the cake. Thanks to everyone who's been part of this!"
The second day of jumping brought heightened stakes with seven jumpers within five points after the first round. With Prevc leading, Pinkelnig, who had started out competitively, faced formidable challenges. Team colleague Lisa Eder, unfortunately, couldn't hold onto her strong first jump of 93.5 meters, falling to seventh place overall after her second attempt only reached 86 meters.
Jacqueline Seifriedsberger, representing Austria, showcased remarkable composure by jumping to 96 meters and moving up from twelfth place to finish eighth overall. Her steady ascent was commendable and reflected her mental strength. "This sport tests you, especially with the weather conditions we face," she remarked during the competition.
The significance of this event goes beyond individual achievements; it reflects the growth and unpredictability of women’s ski jumping as it gains more attention and support internationally. Following the Villach competition, Katharina Schmid emphasized her continued leadership status within the World Cup standings, stating, "I felt great out there and know we have strong support backing us. My aim is to build on this momentum as we move forward.”
The international ski jumping community looks forward to the upcoming events, particularly as discussions about aligning men's and women’s competition schedules are underway, according to FIS race director Sandro Pertile. With aspirations to hold competitions concurrently, athletes are hopeful for increased visibility and parity within the sport.
Overall, the exciting atmosphere at the Villach Ski Jumping World Cup highlighted both individual accomplishments and the broader advancements within women's sports. Athletes like Pinkelnig and Schmid are not just competitors but trailblazers, inspiring the next generation of jumpers to reach new heights. Special focus now turns to the Austrian team’s preparations for future contests, as they aim to continue demonstrating their prowess on the global stage.