Selina Freitag struck gold for German ski jumping, clinching the nation's first medal at the 2025 Nordic Ski World Championships held in Trondheim, Norway. With remarkable jumps of 99.0 and 103.5 meters on the normal hill, the 23-year-old athlete secured the silver, finishing just behind Slovenia's dominant Nika Prevc, who is currently leading the World Cup standings.
This achievement marks Freitag's first individual medal at major international competitions. Previously, she had garnered two gold medals for her contributions to the team and mixed events at the 2023 World Championships hosted in Planica. "I’m mega happy to show these jumps in competition. It pays off so much hard work," Freitag exclaimed after her breathtaking performance.
The women’s individual ski jumping at the World Championships unfolded under challenging weather conditions, with rain impacting the second round. Despite the inclement weather, Freitag maintained her composure and showcased her skills, leaping impressively on both attempts. Prevc, even with rain complicity, sailed through the air, demonstrating her prowess with jumps measuring 100.0 meters. Freitag's performance, consistent and determined, solidified her place among the highest achievers.
Bronze went to Norway's Anna Odine Stroem, who also delighted local fans by scoring jumps of 99.0 meters and 96.5 meters. Following the competition, several athletes expressed their pride and happiness for Freitag’s success. Katharina Schmid, the previous titleholder who struggled to find her rhythm, finished the event ranked 19th. Schmid commended Freitag, saying, "I’m just really happy for her. She remained so cool throughout the competition." This supportive banter highlighted the camaraderie and sportsmanship among athletes regardless of personal outcomes.
Freitag drew inspiration from her family roots, particularly her brother Richard, who is also a former ski jumper and recently witnessed her triumph live. "This is pure nature, without anything over it," Richard stated, celebrating his sister’s authenticity and hard work leading to her first historic medal for Germany at the Nordic Ski World Championships. Meanwhile, team spirit flourished as Freitag received encouragement from her fellow German competitors, like Agnes Reisch, who noted, "That’s really deserved. She fought so hard. It’s like winning gold for her!"
Before the championship, Freitag made headlines discussing the disparities female athletes face, stating she only received shampoo and basic toiletries after winning the qualifier rounds of the Two-Nights-Tour. She emerged as one of the powerful voices advocating for equality among women ski jumpers, aligning with the broader movement seeking recognition and equitable treatment within the sport. Her persistence and dedication are often viewed as catalysts for change within the sporting community.
At this event, Freitag had previously faced uphill battles, frequently overshadowed by more prominent athletes within her team. This time, stepping firmly on the podium as silver medalist shifted the spotlight directly on her as she finally claimed her place. The emotional weight of this moment was palpable; tears of joy streamed down her face as she celebrated her triumph against the backdrop of “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey during the medal ceremony.
Bundestrainer Heinz Kuttin remarked on Freitag’s development and consistency: "Selina has been so cool under pressure. The silver medal is truly the reward for all the hard work from her and the entire team." He lauded her growth, indicating the silver win as affirmation of her dedication and competitive spirit, especially following four consecutive second-place finishes behind Prevc earlier this season. The significance of her victory resonates beyond individual accolades; it symbolizes the hard work and effort of the German ski jumping team.
Looking forward to upcoming competitions, Freitag is set to compete alongside her teammates Schmid, Reisch, and Juliane Seyfarth for upcoming team events. The momentum they've generated from Freitag’s stellar performance could possibly bolster their chances for additional podium finishes as they aim for future championships. The camaraderie and spirit exhibited at this event adds another chapter to their sporting narrative, all underlined by the sense of achievement Freitag has now cemented both for herself and her country.
To sum up, Selina Freitag's remarkable silver medal at the 2025 Nordic Ski World Championships signifies not merely personal success, but serves as inspiration for many athletes advocating equity within the sport and seeking recognition for their efforts. Her stellar performance stands as evidence of the breakthroughs occurring for women skiers today, highlighting progress within ski jumping on multiple fronts.