53-Year-Old Ski Jumping Legend Noriaki Kasai Declares 2030 Olympic Challenge: "It's Not Over Yet"
A Legend's Milan Olympics Dream Falls Short
On January 18, 2026, at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo, Japan, the legendary ski jumper Noriaki Kasai (53, Team Tsuchiya Home) competed in the qualifying round of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup.
The result was 112 meters with 84.4 points, placing him 56th and failing to advance to the main competition. This meant Kasai could not meet the Japan Ski Association's (SAJ) qualification criteria for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. His dream of a ninth Olympic appearance—which would have been his first since the 2018 PyeongChang Games—came to an end.
"It's Not Over Yet" – An Indomitable Spirit Looks to 2030
However, there was no sign of despair in Kasai's eyes. In post-competition interviews, he declared:
"I kind of expected this. Deep down, I knew that with my current condition, the Olympics would probably be impossible. But this isn't the end. Even when I wasn't in peak form, I was still selected for the World Cup team. I wondered how far I could go if I reached top condition. It's not over yet. I will keep fighting without giving up."
Kasai made clear his intention to compete at the 2030 Winter Olympics, scheduled to be held in the French Alps, when he will be 57 years old. When asked about that age, he replied with a smile:
"Isn't that the best? Still competing at this age."
Over 40 Years of Ski Jumping
Noriaki Kasai was born on June 6, 1972, in Shimokawa, Hokkaido, Japan. Coincidentally, that was the year Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics. He began ski jumping in third grade after being invited by a friend, and his career in the sport now spans over 40 years.
In 1988, at just 16 years old as a high school freshman, he made his World Cup debut. At the 1992 Albertville Olympics, he appeared at his first Games at age 19. From there, he competed in Lillehammer (1994), Nagano (1998), Salt Lake City (2002), Turin (2006), Vancouver (2010), Sochi (2014), and PyeongChang (2018)—achieving the remarkable feat of eight consecutive Winter Olympic appearances, a record in Olympic history.
The Sochi Silver Medal and the "Legend" Title
The highlight of Kasai's career came at the 2014 Sochi Olympics when he was 41. He won silver in the individual large hill and bronze in the team event. It was his first individual Olympic medal in his seventh Olympic appearance.
His medal at age 41 years and 256 days set a new world record for the oldest ski jumping Olympic medalist—the first such record update since the 1948 St. Moritz Olympics, roughly 66 years prior. This achievement garnered worldwide acclaim and cemented his status as "The Legend."
Multiple Guinness World Records
Kasai holds the following Guinness World Records:
- Most individual World Cup starts: 579
- Oldest World Cup event winner: 42 years and 5 months
- Oldest World Cup podium finisher: 44 years and 9 months
- Most Winter Olympic appearances: 8 Games
- Most appearances at FIS Nordic World Ski Championships (individual ski jumper): 13
These records vividly demonstrate Kasai's indomitable spirit in challenging the boundaries of age.
Inspired by King Kazu
Kasai draws inspiration from soccer legend Kazuyoshi Miura (58), known as "King Kazu." Upon hearing that Miura would join J3 club Fukushima in 2026 for his first J-League appearance in five years, Kasai said:
"If I can deliver energy and courage to everyone, I'll keep going. Kazu-san is also working hard in the J-League, so I want to follow in his footsteps."
Both legends, representing the pinnacle of their respective sports, continue to challenge themselves and inspire people across generations.
The Drive to Continue: A Hunger for Gold
Why does Kasai continue competing in his 50s? The answer lies in his hunger for Olympic gold. When he won silver at Sochi, he was just 1.3 points behind the gold medalist. He later reflected:
"I'm disappointed—about 60-40 disappointed. I didn't shed any tears because it wasn't gold."
At the 1998 Nagano Olympics, an injury kept him off the team event roster, forcing him to watch his teammates win gold with mixed emotions. That frustration, even after more than a quarter-century, continues to drive him forward.
Family Support and Mentor Bonds
Kasai is supported by his wife Reina, whom he married after the Sochi Olympics, and their daughter Rino, born in 2016. Having lost both his mother and younger sister in the past, family means everything to him.
Additionally, at Team Tsuchiya Home, where Kasai serves as player-coach, is Ryoyu Kobayashi, whom Kasai personally recruited. Kobayashi won gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Witnessing that moment on-site, Kasai expressed his joy: "To see my protégé win gold right before my eyes—I couldn't be happier."
The Road to 2030
Although Kasai missed the Milan Olympics, he remains focused on the future:
"My condition really isn't bad right now. Not great, but not bad. It feels like things could click into place at any moment. There are still four more years. I'm excited to see how I'll develop during that time and will dedicate myself to training."
When he missed the Beijing Olympics in 2022, Kasai had already declared, "I want to keep jumping until I'm 60." Those words were not empty boasts but a sincere expression of determination.
If Kasai achieves Olympic qualification at age 57, it would be an unprecedented accomplishment in ski jumping history. The Legend's challenge continues to captivate the world.
In Japan, athletes who continue competing at the highest level into their 50s are celebrated and admired. What are the views in your country about "age limits" in sports? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
References
- https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/7cc0b782191fc660f6fe8c47742df71330ae403d
- https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/6855f572f7246a0f773f8b95614149b2c5b3bb0e
- https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/noriaki-kasai
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noriaki_Kasai
- https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2024/4/ski-jumper-noriaki-kasai-vows-to-continue-after-becoming-oldest-world-cup-scorer-768583
Reactions in Japan
Kasai-san aiming for the Olympics at 57 is truly amazing. He's the pride of his hometown Shimokawa. I'll definitely go support him in 2030!
As a fellow jumper, just being selected for the World Cup team at 53 is a miracle. Kasai-san's training volume is extraordinary. I truly respect him.
His words 'It's not over yet' really moved me. The attitude of continuing to challenge is what makes him a legend. I want to write about this.
Watching Kasai makes me think I shouldn't give up at work either. I'm ashamed of using my age as an excuse.
From a medical perspective, maintaining top level in your 50s is remarkable. It's proof of thorough daily conditioning and injury prevention. Fascinating as a research subject too.
My son does ski jumping, and after seeing Kasai, he said 'I want to continue for a long time too.' The best role model for kids.
Honestly, I don't think Olympic qualification at 57 is realistic. Wouldn't it be better to give the spot to younger athletes? Thinking about the future of Japanese ski jumping...
I still remember Kasai looking frustrated about not being in the team event at Nagano Olympics. About 30 years later, still active - truly a legend.
Kasai-san's flight form is still beautiful. An aerial posture that defies his age. It's mesmerizing to photograph.
He's the pride of our company! Everyone at work supports him for continuing to challenge himself while also nurturing young athletes as player-coach.
I understand the feeling, but looking at today's qualifying results, it seems tough. But somehow I feel Kasai-san might pull it off. Mixed feelings...
Kazu-san and Kasai-san, two legends continuing in their 50s - what an amazing era. They're treasures of Japanese sports.
I went to Okurayama today to watch Kasai. Missing the finals was disappointing, but I was moved by his smile when talking about 2030 in the interview.
Kasai's presence has immeasurable value for Japanese ski jumping. Including his achievement in nurturing Ryoyu Kobayashi, he deserves the People's Honor Award someday.
Kasai's case is extremely interesting in sports science. I want to analyze how he maintains motivation both mentally and physically.
As a German ski jumping fan, I've respected Kasai for many years. Aiming for the Olympics at 57 is unbelievable. His indomitable spirit is an inspiration for athletes worldwide.
Supporting from Austria! I was at the venue when he won silver at Sochi 2014. I'll never forget that emotion. I definitely want to witness 2030 too.
Ski jumping is a national sport in Norway. Having athletes like Kasai is wonderful for the entire sport. Age doesn't matter, only passion counts.
In America, there are hardly any top athletes active in their 50s. Kasai's challenge is truly exceptional. NFL and NBA players should learn from his spirit.
As a French person, I hope we can welcome Kasai at the 2030 Alps Olympics. I want to see a true legend like him fly in France.
I'm a fan of Poland's Stoch, but his battle with Kasai at Sochi was a historic match. Both are great athletes. I support Kasai's challenge.
To be honest, I don't think Olympic qualification at 57 is realistic. Ski jumping is a sport where fitness and reflexes are crucial. Shouldn't younger athletes be given a chance?
Paying respect from China. The spirit of athletes like Kasai is something our athletes should learn. Challenges that transcend age give courage to all sports fans.
Canadian winter sports fan here. Kasai's story should become a Hollywood movie! The way he keeps overcoming adversity is the beauty of sports itself.
In Russia, Kasai is well known for his performance at Sochi Olympics. I still remember the moment he shined in our country. Wishing him success in 2030.
Commenting from the UK. I'm 58 and struggle with morning jogs, yet Kasai is aiming for the Olympics. It makes me feel human potential is truly limitless.
A fan from South Korea. I saw Kasai at the PyeongChang Olympics. Amazing that he's still competing. He's an important figure in Japan-Korea sports exchange.
Ski jumping isn't very popular in Australia, but Kasai's news is making headlines worldwide. I'm reminded again that sports transcend borders.
From Italy. It's a shame we couldn't see Kasai at Milan Olympics. But I expect to see him fly at the 2030 French Olympics. Age doesn't matter for legends!
Based in Singapore. I think someone with passion like Kasai would succeed in any field. I'll use his words 'It's not over yet' as motivation for my work.