In a heartbreaking announcement made on Saturday, March 29, 2025, former ski jumper and Olympic medalist Stefan Hula revealed the passing of his father, Stefan Hula senior, at the age of 77. The news has sent ripples through the skiing community, as Stefan Hula senior was not only a respected athlete but also a pivotal figure in shaping the careers of his children, particularly his son, Stefan Hula junior.
Born on September 12, 1947, in Szczyrk, Poland, Stefan Hula senior was a distinguished Nordic combined skier and ski jumper. He represented Poland in the 1972 Winter Olympics held in Sapporo, Japan, where he finished 17th in the Nordic combined event. His Olympic journey continued in 1976 during the Innsbruck Games, where he secured a 16th place finish, marking his last international competition.
Stefan Hula senior’s most significant achievement came in 1974 when he won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Falun, Sweden. In that competition, he excelled in the ski jumping segment but lost some ground in the cross-country skiing portion, ultimately finishing third overall behind two competitors from the former East Germany, Ulrich Wehling and Gunter Deckert.
Aside from his World Championship success, Hula senior was a Polish champion, having won the national title in 1973. He also claimed the runner-up position in 1971 and famously broke the ski jump record in Wisła-Malince, achieving a remarkable distance of 93 meters. After retiring from competitive skiing in 1978, he transitioned into coaching, where he shared his extensive knowledge and passion for the sport with younger generations.
Stefan Hula junior took to social media to express his grief and honor his father’s legacy. In an emotional post, he wrote, “Do zobaczenia Tato. Dziękuję Ci za miłość, wsparcie. Ty zaszczepiłeś we mnie miłość do skoków. Ty pokazałeś mi świat. Będzie mi Ciebie cholernie brakować, ale jeszcze się spotkamy. Kocham Cię bardzo.” This translates to, “See you, Dad. Thank you for your love and support. You instilled in me a love for ski jumping. You showed me the world. I will miss you dearly, but we will meet again. I love you very much.”
Stefan Hula junior has carved out his own successful career in ski jumping, winning a bronze medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, as well as another bronze in the team event at the 2018 World Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany. His achievements reflect the influence of his father, who introduced him to the sport and nurtured his talent.
The loss of Stefan Hula senior is felt deeply not only by his family but also by the ski jumping community, which remembers him as a passionate athlete and a dedicated coach. His contributions to the sport have paved the way for future generations of Polish ski jumpers.
As the news spreads, tributes are pouring in from fellow athletes and fans alike, all recognizing the impact Stefan Hula senior had on the world of winter sports. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through his children and the many athletes he inspired throughout his coaching career.
In the days ahead, the ski jumping community will reflect on the life and accomplishments of Stefan Hula senior, celebrating a man who not only excelled in his sport but also fostered a love for skiing in his family. His passing is a significant loss, but his spirit and dedication to ski jumping will continue to resonate in the hearts of those he touched.
Stefan Hula junior’s heartfelt farewell to his father serves as a reminder of the profound bond between parent and child, especially in the world of sports. As he continues to coach and inspire the next generation of athletes, the values and passion instilled in him by his father will undoubtedly guide his path.
