Written by Gill Princen

ryoyu kobayashi ski world record jump — courtesy of Red Bull

Japanese ski jumper Ryoyu Kobayashi recently soared through the sky for an unprecedented distance of 291 meters. This achievement, executed in collaboration with Red Bull in Akureyri, Iceland, has captured the attention of the skiing world and beyond, despite it not being recognized as an official world record by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

The Journey to 291 Meters

Kobayashi's journey to this historic jump began with the realization that no existing ski jump was large enough to facilitate such a feat. This led to the construction of a custom ski jump, specifically designed for the purpose, on a hill in Akureyri. The preparation was extensive, requiring over two months of work and the movement of more than 120,000 cubic meters of snow to create a ramp that started at an altitude of 1,115 meters and descended with a maximum gradient of 36 degrees.

The actual jump took place over two days in April 2024. Kobayashi made several attempts, each progressively breaking his previous records of 256 meters, 259 meters, and 282 meters. Finally, he reached an astonishing 291 meters, suspended in the air for eight seconds at a top speed of 107 km/h. This jump shattered the previous world record of 253.5 meters set by Austria's Stefan Kraft in 2017 by a significant margin of 37.5 meters.

world ski jump record ryoyu kobayashi — courtesy of Red Bull

Regulatory Challenges

Despite the impressive distance, Kobayashi's jump did not meet the criteria set by the FIS for an official world record. The FIS requires that record attempts be made during official competitions, using FIS-certified distance measurement systems, and on FIS-approved ski flying hills. These stringent regulations ensure a fair and level playing field for all athletes. Kobayashi's jump, organized as part of a PR campaign by Red Bull, took place under unique conditions tailored specifically for him, without adhering to these regulations. Consequently, while the jump is celebrated as a monumental personal achievement and a testament to human potential, it does not hold the official status of a world record.

ryoyu kobayashi ski jump — courtesy of Red Bull

For Kobayashi, the jump was more than just a record attempt; it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. The 27-year-old athlete expressed immense satisfaction and pride in his achievement. "This jump has been a dream of mine for a long time," he said. "I’ve always wanted to jump farther than anyone ever has, and I want to keep pushing the boundaries."

Looking ahead, Kobayashi has set his sights even higher, aiming to break the elusive 300-meter mark. His coach, Janne Vaeaetaeinen, reflected on the intense emotions and challenges of the record attempt, describing it as "a crazy couple of days" and expressing excitement for the future.

The Broader Impact

While Kobayashi's jump may not be officially recognized, it has undoubtedly pushed the boundaries of what is considered possible in ski jumping. It showcases the incredible skill and determination of athletes who strive to surpass existing limits and achieve new heights. The FIS has expressed anticipation for Kobayashi's participation in the upcoming World Cup season, where he will compete under official conditions and have another opportunity to set an official world record.

In summary, Ryōyū Kobayashi's 291-meter ski jump stands as a landmark achievement in the history of the sport. It exemplifies the relentless pursuit of excellence and the human spirit's desire to achieve the extraordinary, even when faced with regulatory limitations. As Kobayashi continues to chase his dreams, the world watches in anticipation of what he will achieve next.