Deschwanden 7th in Ski Jumping – Swiss Success at Kulm
The Swiss ski jumper Gregor Deschwanden continues to build momentum following his bronze medal performance at the Winter Olympics, securing a seventh-place finish at the Kulm hill in Tauplitz, Austria, on . Deschwanden twice exceeded the 200-meter mark during the competition, demonstrating impressive form on one of the world’s largest ski flying hills.
In the first round, Deschwanden landed at 208.5 meters, placing him fifth. He followed that up with a jump of 202 meters in the second round, a distance he admitted wasn’t quite as satisfying. Despite this, the result equaled his career-best finish in ski flying, a testament to his consistency and growing confidence.
The victory at Kulm went to Domen Prevc of Slovenia, the current season leader and reigning World Champion. Prevc dominated the final round, consistently outdistancing his competitors by margins of nine meters or more. His performance underscored his status as a dominant force in the sport.
Two other Swiss jumpers also qualified for the final round, adding to a strong showing for the national team. Sandro Hauswirth finished 22nd, while veteran Simon Ammann secured 27th place. Their presence in the final round highlights the depth of talent within the Swiss ski jumping program.
Deschwanden’s Olympic bronze medal in the normal hill event at Milan-Cortina 2026 marked a significant breakthrough in his career. Prior to the Games, a podium finish of this magnitude was considered a long shot, making his success all the more remarkable. He previously secured a bronze medal at the 2023 European Games in Zakopane, demonstrating a consistent ability to perform on major international stages.
The 35-year-vintage Deschwanden, hailing from Horw, Switzerland, has been a fixture on the international ski jumping circuit for over a decade. His personal best distance of 235.5 meters, achieved at Kulm in 2024, showcases his ability to handle the demands of ski flying. He began his international career with a FIS race in Einsiedeln in 2006, steadily progressing through the ranks to turn into a consistent contender.
Deschwanden’s career is also marked by a series of strong performances in Swiss national championships. He first became national runner-up in 2011, finishing behind Simon Ammann. He has accumulated a total of eight silver and one gold medal in the Swiss championships, demonstrating his consistent excellence within his home country.
Beyond national competitions, Deschwanden has achieved notable success in the Ski Jumping World Cup and Grand Prix. He currently ranks sixth in the overall World Cup standings (2024/25 season) and ninth in the Ski Flying World Cup. He also achieved a fifth-place finish in the prestigious Vierschanzentournee (Four Hills Tournament) and eighth place in Raw Air during the 2024 season.
He has secured three Grand Prix victories and finished second overall in the Grand Prix standings in 2023. In the Continental Cup, he has two victories and a 36th-place finish in the overall standings (2012/13 season). His consistent podium finishes – four second-place and two third-place finishes in World Cup individual events – further solidify his position as a top-tier ski jumper.
Deschwanden’s recent success is a continuation of a career built on dedication and perseverance. His ability to consistently deliver strong performances, coupled with his Olympic medal, positions him as a key athlete to watch as the ski jumping season progresses. The Swiss team, bolstered by Deschwanden’s form and the contributions of Hauswirth and Ammann, will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in upcoming competitions.