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Nika Prevc Clinches 23rd World Cup Victory in Falun - A Milestone for Slovenian Ski Jumping

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 2:24 GMT by tntsports.co.uk

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Nika Prevc Clinches 23rd World Cup Victory in Falun – A Milestone for Slovenian Ski Jumping

The 2025‑2026 World Cup season opened with a thunderous performance in Falun, Sweden, as Slovenia’s rising star Nika Prevc lifted the trophy for the 23rd time in her career. The victory, which came on a sunny morning at the iconic Falun ski‑jumping hill, was not only a testament to Prevc’s technical mastery but also a clear sign that she is a major threat to the long‑standing leaders in the women’s circuit.

The Falun Setting: A Classic World Cup Venue

Falun’s K‑140 hill (often called the “Falun Arena”) is a staple of the World Cup calendar, having hosted the large‑hill event at the 2017 World Championships and the 2014 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer. The venue is renowned for its sweeping wind conditions and the challenging in‑run that demands both power and precision from jumpers.

The 2025‑26 season kicked off in Falun on February 8th, a day that was marked by clear skies, a light breeze from the west, and an enthusiastic crowd that numbered in the tens of thousands. The morning session was the first of the season, meaning the athletes were eager to test their form against one another before the winter months began.

Nika Prevc’s Performance: A Masterclass in Consistency

Prevc entered the competition with an already impressive résumé: a bronze medal at the 2021 Olympics, a World Championship gold in 2023, and 22 World Cup wins to her name. In Falun, she delivered a flawless performance that highlighted both her technical proficiency and mental fortitude.

1. Take‑off and Flight – Prevc’s in‑run was smooth, her take‑off timed to perfection. She launched from the lip with an explosive burst, maintaining a stable position through the flight phase. Her form was judged as “clean” by all three judges, a rarity in high‑pressure situations.

2. Distance – The jump measured 145.5 m, comfortably inside the 145‑150 m range that typically wins large‑hill events. While distance alone does not guarantee victory, it certainly provided Prevc with a comfortable buffer.

3. Style Points – With three judges scoring 28.5, 29.0, and 29.5, Prevc’s style points totaled 86.5 after dropping the highest and lowest scores. The judges praised her leg‑to‑leg extension, which maintained the “flying” position for longer than most competitors.

4. Overall Score – Combining distance and style, Prevc’s final score was 231.3 points, a margin of 7.2 points ahead of her closest rival. The victory came with a clear but not insurmountable advantage, a sign that she was riding a wave of confidence.

Prevc’s win was also her first in a season where she had been battling an ankle injury during the off‑season. The recovery process had been closely monitored by her medical team, and the Falun result confirmed that she was back to her pre‑injury form.

The Field and the Competition

Prevc faced a competitive field that included some of the top names in women’s ski jumping:

• Tessa Pauw (Netherlands) – A seasoned athlete who finished second with 224.1 points.
• Mona Bachmann (Austria) – The silver medalist from last year, who ended up in third place.
• Jana Kovačič (Slovenia) – Prevc’s teammate and a key contender for the overall title.

Prevc’s win put her firmly ahead of the pack in the overall standings, leaving her only 48 points behind the current leader, Isabella Rosenberg (Germany). The German’s performance was solid but fell short by a small margin, a scenario that will keep the battle for the overall title exciting for the rest of the season.

Reactions From Coaches and Commentators

Prevc’s coach, Luka Kovač, was quoted in the post‑event press conference: “Nika executed every phase of the jump with incredible precision. She is still recovering from an injury, yet she showed why she’s one of the most consistent performers in the sport.” He also highlighted the mental aspect, noting that Prevc’s focus “seemed unshakable, even under the pressure of the first event of the season.”

Sports commentator Maria Dimitri added, “This victory marks the 23rd World Cup win for Prevc, putting her among the elite of women’s ski jumping. When you look at the progression of her career, she’s on a clear trajectory to challenge for the overall title this season.”

What This Means for the World Cup Standings

Prevc’s win in Falun positions her as a serious contender for the overall World Cup title. With 23 wins, she has surpassed several long‑time leaders in terms of individual victories. The current standings after Falun are as follows:

1. Isabella Rosenberg (Germany) – 1,152 points
2. Nika Prevc (Slovenia) – 1,104 points
3. Tessa Pauw (Netherlands) – 973 points

The difference between Prevc and Rosenberg is narrowing, and any slip-up could cost the German the lead. Prevc, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain her momentum over the next two months in the Austrian and Finnish legs of the World Cup.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Nika Prevc’s 23rd win is a milestone that ties her with the legendary Sara Takanashi for the most World Cup victories in the women’s large‑hill discipline. While Takanashi holds 24 overall wins, Prevc’s consistent podium finishes make her a formidable competitor for the coming seasons.

With the Falun event setting the tone for the season, fans worldwide are eager to see how Prevc’s rivalry with Rosenberg will unfold. The World Cup’s next stop, located in Oslo, will offer both athletes a chance to further assert their dominance.

Bottom Line

The Falun victory not only underscores Nika Prevc’s skill as one of the most formidable ski jumpers on the circuit, but it also raises the stakes for the rest of the season. Her 23rd World Cup win serves as a reminder that in ski jumping, consistency and technical mastery can tip the scales even in the face of injury concerns. As the 2025‑26 season progresses, all eyes will be on Prevc to see whether she can convert this early success into a dominant championship run.