In a thrilling display of athleticism, Selina Freitag secured second place in the Ski Jumping World Cup event held in Lahti, Finland, on March 20, 2025, marking yet another commendable performance in her ongoing season. The Oberwiesenthal native finished behind Slovenia's Nika Prevc, who continued to dominate the competition, notching her ninth consecutive victory.
The 20-year-old Prevc, already crowned the overall World Cup champion for the season, wowed the crowd with her jumps of 129.0 meters and a record-setting 135.5 meters, accumulating 302.8 points. Her latest triumph puts her one step closer to matching the historical record set by Japan's Sara Takanashi, who achieved ten consecutive wins during the 2015-16 season.
Freitag, who had previously claimed silver in both individual events during the World Championships in Trondheim, put forth a solid effort with jumps of 122.0 meters and 121.0 meters, scoring a total of 277.4 points. In doing so, she claimed her ninth second-place finish in a World Cup event, with her elusive first victory still on the horizon.
“It was a good competition for me, though, of course, I’m still waiting for that first win,” Freitag commented after the event. Her consistent placements, especially against a competitor like Prevc, demonstrate her growing prowess in the sport. The third spot in Lahti was taken by Canada’s Alexandria Loutitt, who finished with 275.1 points, 2.3 points shy of Freitag.
As the season winds down, the overall World Cup standings reveal Freitag sitting in second place with 1213 points, firmly behind Prevc, who leads with a staggering 1833 points. This puts Freitag in a competitive position as the ski jumping season approaches its climactic end.
In the context of the overall competition, Katharina Schmid, another noted competitor, finished seventh in Lahti after achieving jumps of 113.5 meters and 123.0 meters. This ranking keeps her in the mix for podium finishes, albeit with a significant 57-point gap behind Freitag in the overall rankings.
Looking ahead, the last women’s event of the season is set for March 21, 2025, at 14:50 in Lahti, where Freitag will again have the opportunity to make her mark against the backdrop of her title-winning rival, Prevc. In the men’s category, the excitement continues with competitions scheduled for Saturday (individual) and Sunday (Super-Team) in Lahti, where tensions will surely rise as they vie for national pride and personal victories.
The dynamic and thrilling nature of the Ski Jumping World Cup captivates both fans and participants alike, with athletes pushing their limits amid fierce competition and extreme conditions. Freitag’s pursuit of her first victory, set against the backdrop of Prevc’s incredible streak, creates an engaging narrative for fans of the sport.
Prevc's achievements this season are particularly notable, as she has not only secured multiple victories but also established a strong legacy in the world of ski jumping. Her journey toward potentially matching Takanashi's record is being closely followed, adding to the stakes of the remaining events.
As athletes like Prevc and Freitag prepare for the concluding challenges of the World Cup season, fans are left to wonder what thrilling developments may unfold. Can Freitag finally break her second-place curse and secure that coveted first win? Will Prevc continue her reign and etch her name further into the annals of ski jumping history? The excitement is palpable as the season approaches its final events.
