Ryoyu Kobayashi, 27, is an unusual ski jumper on and off the hill. After his victory at the 72nd Four Hills Tournament, he could set a new record – if the “neo-Japanese” is even interested in that.
The organizers of the traditional Hokkaido Cup near Sapporo had nothing special in mind. A new, 21-year-old ski jumper, or rather a ski jumping student, made it onto the list of participants. Most of them had already completed their jump when suddenly a slight but already 1.73 meter tall jumper appeared, perhaps still a beginner, but in any case an unknown person, who was now sitting on the beam. Then he got the go-ahead and dropped into the lane. A little later it was clear to the experts present: the future belongs to this jumper.