It is not uncommon for Japanese athletes to remain active over the age of 40. However, at more than 50 years old.
Noriaki Kasai can still do it. At almost 52 years old, the Japanese ski jumping veteran is absolutely competitive again. In Sapporo on Saturday, Kasai finished a strong ninth in the Continental Cup competition, the second highest international category after the World Cup, leaving all starters from Germany behind.
Kasai finished one place ahead of German champion Martin Hamann (Aue), who had been part of the DSV World Cup squad until shortly before the Four Hills Tournament. In the second round, the “pterosaur” even came third with 126.5 m. For Kasai it was the best COC result in four years.
An impressive record
Kasai, who had already jumped parallel style in the World Cup in Sapporo in 1988 as a 16-year-old, could now significantly improve one of his world records. It is quite possible that “Nori” in this form will be part of Japan’s team in the additional contingent of the national group at the World Cup jumping in Sapporo in mid-February and will survive the qualification – he would then be the first “50” in a competition on this level level.
Kasai already holds the age record in the World Cup: In January 2020, the 1992 ski flying world champion also competed in his 569th jump – also a world record – in the first league in Sapporo at the age of 47. In January 2023 he was narrowly eliminated from qualifying in Sapporo.