Jan Hörl: With a wedding ring and the will to win into the Olympic season!

Jan Hörl: With a wedding ring and the will to win into the Olympic season!

Jan Hörl, the talented ski jumper from Salzburg, is heading into the upcoming 2025 Olympic season full of self-confidence. After a successful winter in which he demonstrated his skills, he also experienced a personal highlight: in the spring he said yes to his partner Tanja. “This moment gave me indescribable happiness and I am now enjoying the season with a wedding ring on my finger,” says Hörl, while at the same time preparing for the start of the season in Lillehammer.

The 26-year-old achieved impressive results last season. He won two events and was frequently on the podium, including one silver and two bronze medals at the World Championships. He also added to his collection of titles by winning the Austrian Championships in October in Bischofshofen, where he won the title despite a shortened attempt. He was also second in the Four Hills Tournament and in the overall World Cup and finished a total of ten World Cup competitions, mostly behind his colleague Daniel Tschofenig.

Convincing early form and Olympic ambitions

The start of his Olympic preparations was marked by Hörl's excellent early form, which he further consolidated in the summer through active rest settings. In addition to his sporting successes, he went on a safari in Africa and enjoyed relaxing moments on the beach. With a feeling of being in top shape, he looks confidently at the upcoming challenges of these settings and emphasizes: “A good start to the season is crucial”. He remembers his victory at the second competition in Lillehammer last year and hopes to be able to repeat that performance to minimize the pressure he puts on himself.

Jan Hörl was able to celebrate another success in the new season. He won his first World Cup victory in Wisla, Poland. Hörl jumped 121 meters in the first round and 128 meters in the second round, which earned him a total of 261.9 points. With this victory he not only gained the title, but also recognition as the best jumper of the day, after previously suffering a fall in the test round. Marius Lindvik of Norway took second place with 255.2 points, followed by Stefan Kraft in third place with 253.6 points. This is the first victory for the Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV) since December 2016 that did not come from Stefan Kraft.

Outlook for the 2026 Olympic Games

For the 2026 Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, the young jumper will use his accumulated experience to improve his technique and individual performance. Before the competitions, practice runs are held to determine the starting order. The competitions include two jumps, with the total number of points from both jumps determining the final placement. Anyone who wants to compete in the men's super team competition must form a team of four athletes, while in the mixed team competition two women and two men compete per NOK.

There is great anticipation for the coming season and the Olympic competitions. Jan Hörl doesn't feel any pressure to act, but his own pressure remains present. “I am confident that the winter will be easier for me,” said the motivated athlete. The next World Cup will take place in Klingenthal, Germany, where preparations and qualifications will begin on Friday.

Overall, Jan Hörl remains an athlete whose development and performance will also be followed closely by spectators - an exciting time for himself and the Austrian Ski Association.

You can find more information on laola1, skijumping.com and olympics.com.